They have introduced bills on a myriad of China-related issues, held a far-reaching set of hearings on the country, and increasingly raised China from the bully pulpit. Members have debated and passed a variety of measures aimed at strengthening the United States for a long-term competition and confrontation with China. Congress has responded accordingly, often working closely with the executive branch. By the mid-2010s, it was apparent that China’s military modernization, aggressive (sometimes illegal) efforts to acquire advanced technology, protectionist economic policies, territorial encroachments, and other actions constituted a serious challenge, especially in the face of predictions that China might surpass the United States in economic output. Congress has played an important role in designing and implementing America’s response to the challenge posed by a more powerful and nationalistic China.
