A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding critical elements of the United States policy towards the People's Republic of China.

Bill Number

S.Res. 716

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2178-2179)

Last Updated

2026-05-14T10:56:29Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 716) expresses the "sense of the Senate"—a non-binding statement of opinion—on key aspects of U.S. policy toward the People's Republic of China (PRC). It portrays China as the U.S.'s top rival and outlines perceived threats from China's military expansion, economic practices, technology pursuits, drug precursors, influence in global institutions, and human rights abuses.

Key Provisions

The resolution highlights threats in "Whereas" clauses and states in the "Resolved" section that the U.S. should:

• Prioritize China threats: Treat security, economic, technological, diplomatic, and strategic challenges from China as top foreign policy focuses.
• Strengthen deterrence: Boost U.S. ability to defend interests, support freedom of navigation (safe passage for ships), and maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific, including the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
• Protect economy: Counter China's practices like forced technology transfers, intellectual property theft (stealing ideas/patents), and subsidies through stronger export controls (limits on selling goods/tech), investment restrictions, forced labor bans, and penalties on subsidized Chinese goods.
• Lead in technology: Outpace China in artificial intelligence (AI) and other key technologies like quantum computing to maintain economic and military edges.
• Support allies: Reaffirm commitments to Indo-Pacific treaty allies (Japan, South Korea, Australia, Philippines) via existing defense treaties; promote trilateral cooperation (e.g., U.S.-Japan-South Korea); increase defense spending.
• Taiwan policy: Uphold peace in the Taiwan Strait under the Taiwan Relations Act (1979 law supporting Taiwan), Three Joint Communiqués (U.S.-China agreements), and Six Assurances (U.S. promises to Taiwan).
• Aid partners: Enhance ties with India (via Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), ASEAN countries (Southeast Asia group), and Pacific islands against Chinese coercion (pressure short of war).
• Counter multilateral influence: Reduce China's sway in international organizations and standards bodies to avoid rules favoring China.
• Promote values: Advance human rights, democracy, and civil society, referencing laws like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (bans imports linked to forced labor in China's Xinjiang region) and Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (2018 law boosting U.S. role in Asia).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• None. As a resolution, it does not create new laws, appropriate funds, or mandate actions. It only states the Senate's views and references existing treaties/laws without altering them.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies: Signals Congress's priorities to the executive branch (e.g., State Department, Defense Department, Commerce Department), potentially influencing budgets, strategies, and diplomacy without legal force.
• Citizens: Indirectly addresses issues like fentanyl precursors from China (linked to U.S. drug deaths), economic competition affecting jobs, and supply chain vulnerabilities.
• International relations: Reinforces U.S. alliances, deters Chinese aggression, and pressures China on trade/human rights; may strain U.S.-China ties but bolster support for Taiwan and Indo-Pacific partners.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government: Congress (bipartisan sponsors), executive agencies handling foreign policy, defense, trade.
• Allies and partners: Japan, South Korea, Australia, Philippines, India, ASEAN nations, Pacific islands, Taiwan.
• U.S. businesses/workers: Affected by trade practices, tech competition, supply chains.
• China: Subject of criticism on military, economy, human rights.
• U.S. citizens: Impacted by drugs, economic security, national defense.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Non-binding, so no enforceable obligations; builds on existing laws/treaties without changes.
• Constitutional: Reflects Senate's advisory role in foreign affairs (Article I); bipartisan support (Democrats/Republicans) shows rare unity on China policy.
• Political: Serves as a signal to guide executive actions, rally domestic support, and shape public debate on U.S.-China competition.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]

Cosponsors (16)

Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Moreno, Bernie [R-OH], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]

Recent Actions

• 2026-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2178-2179)
• 2026-04-30: Submitted in Senate

Bill Versions

• Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding critical elements of the United States policy towards the People's Republic of China. — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (8 pages)