Tensions are rising in Washington as lawmakers from both political parties prepare a legislative counteroffensive that could derail Donald Trump's plans for a new trade agreement with China—before negotiations even begin.

According to Reuters, three new bills will be introduced this week targeting China’s human rights violations, increasing military pressure on Taiwan, and transnational repression of activists abroad. These initiatives directly challenge the Trump administration’s focus on preserving a fragile trade truce.

While Trump Prepares Talks, Congress Prepares a Legislative Strike

The U.S.–China trade summit is set for August 12 in Stockholm, where Trump's delegation is expected to seek further economic cooperation. But lawmakers—Democrat Jeff Merkley and Republicans John Cornyn, John Curtis, and Dan Sullivan—have a different agenda, and they're moving quickly.

🔹 The first bill, introduced by Merkley and co-sponsored by Cornyn, would bar entry to any current or former Chinese official found to be involved in the forced repatriation of Uyghur Muslims—an issue Beijing continues to deny.

🔹 The second bill, backed by Curtis, seeks to strengthen U.S. relations with Latin American and Caribbean nations that support Taiwan, directly opposing China's efforts to diplomatically isolate the self-governed island.

🔹 The third bill, proposed by Sullivan, aims to combat foreign intimidation of dissidents and journalists abroad. While it doesn’t mention China by name, lawmakers made it clear who the primary target is.

Republican Dissent Against Trump’s Trade Vision

Notably, resistance to Trump’s strategy isn’t coming solely from Democrats. Republicans Cornyn and Curtis, despite being members of Trump's party, have openly criticized his approach. They argue that American values—freedom and human rights—should never be compromised for economic gains.

“Our moral compass shouldn’t shift depending on who is in the White House,” said Merkley.

Trading Security for Business?

Trump’s position is also under fire following the recent approval allowing Nvidia to resume sales of its H20 AI chips to China—just days after the CEO met with Trump. The move reversed an April export ban meant to prevent China from acquiring cutting-edge U.S. AI technology for military or surveillance use.

“Trump wants to maintain friendly ties with Xi Jlnping, but he’s playing with fire,” warned Bonnie Glaser of the German Marshall Fund. She believes economic goals are being prioritized over long-term strategic threats.

In Summary: A Battle Over Values at the Heart of U.S. Policy

Trump insists that national security has not been sacrificed for trade. But his opponents—including members of his own party—fear that the cost of a deal with China may be too high. The upcoming meeting in Stockholm may not signal unity, but rather the next battlefield in America’s ongoing political struggle.


#usa , #china , #TRUMP , #Geopolitics , #TradeWars

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