A bipartisan duo in the Senate wants more scrutiny of China’s efforts to pressure U.S. companies into not making statements critical of Beijing.
Sens. Cory Gardner and Jeff Merkley introduced legislation that creates a federal task force to monitor accounts of China intimidating American companies.
“It’s well known that China oppresses individual freedoms within its own borders, but we know it doesn’t end there,” said Gardner, a Colorado Republican. “Recently we’ve seen American companies censor themselves to avoid Chinese retaliation, which sends a chilling ripple effect across our country and further empowers the Chinese Community Party.”
The task force formed under the senators’ measure would be made up of representatives from the Departments of State and Commerce, the Federal Communications Commission, and the U.S. Agency for Global Media. The group would consult with stakeholders in the media and private sector to implement a public database that tracks China’s efforts to bully U.S. businesses.
The Chinese government, Merkley said, “is using their economic power to punish American companies who exercise their free speech rights.”
“Our government needs to stand up for Americans and stand up for free speech,” said the Oregon Democrat. “That starts by making sure we know when and how the Chinese government is censoring or punishment Americans for expressing themselves.”
Several American companies found themselves embroiled in controversy after facing pressure from Beijing over the Hong Kong protest movement.
China punished the NBA after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted support for Hong Kong protesters, and Apple removed an app from its App Store that allowed demonstrators to track the location of police after China’s state-run media denounced the company.
Lawmakers have criticized the companies for appeasing China in an effort to maintain their access to the Chinese market.
