Senators Introduce Bill to Counter Chinese Maritime Threat

Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Rick Scott (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan Strategic Port Reporting Act, aimed at countering the growing maritime threat posed by China. The legislation mandates the U.S. Department of Defense to devise a strategy to address the increasing influence of Chinese companies in key global ports, which poses risks to U.S. national security, trade routes, and global supply chains.

China has been expanding its maritime network globally, with Chinese firms acquiring stakes in significant ports in the U.S. and other countries. This expansion is seen as a threat to U.S. economic and national security interests.

“America has always been a seafaring nation, relying on trade to fuel our economy,” said Senator Kelly. “This bill is critical to securing our ports overseas from Chinese influence that threatens our economy and our national security.”

“Florida is home to many of our nation’s key ports. Our nation can’t allow Communist China to invest in geographically and economically strategic ports. We must prevent, at all costs, the chance for our adversaries to use our resources against us,” added Senator Rubio.

Senator Scott underscored the importance of protecting U.S. ports and infrastructure: “As our nation faces threats from adversaries around the world and Communist China continues its quest for global dominance, we must eliminate any ownership, influence, or access the Communist Chinese regime may have over our allies’ infrastructure and data that can be used against us.”

Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-1) echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for a strategic response to China’s global maritime activities. “As China continues its military aggression in the Indo-Pacific and expands its economic influence across the globe, it is more important than ever that the United States has a plan to counter China’s investments in strategic foreign ports.”

In May, Senators Kelly and Rubio, along with Representatives Mike Waltz (R-FL-6) and John Garamendi (D-CA-8), released a bipartisan report titled “Congressional Guidance for a National Maritime Strategy,” outlining steps to revitalize the U.S. maritime sector to better compete with China.

Earlier this year, Kelly and Waltz also led a bipartisan effort urging President Biden to enhance U.S. maritime power by establishing an interagency maritime policy director, designating maritime infrastructure as critical, invoking the Defense Production Act for shipbuilding, and developing a strategy to reduce dependency on Chinese maritime infrastructure.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up