Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The COUNTER Act requires the State Department and Defense Department to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter China's expansion of military bases and facilities overseas, which the bill identifies as a growing threat to U.S. national security and allied interests. Within 180 days of enactment, the bill mandates that officials assess the risks posed by Chinese military presence in strategic locations worldwide and submit a detailed strategy identifying at least five high-risk locations where China is establishing or seeking military facilities, along with recommendations for U.S. and allied actions to prevent further Chinese expansion. The legislation also requires creation of an interagency task force within 90 days to implement this strategy and coordinate efforts across the federal government, with quadrennial reviews thereafter to ensure ongoing effectiveness. The bill emphasizes a whole-of-government, proactive approach rather than handling Chinese basing efforts on a case-by-case basis, though it does not specify new funding amounts but directs agencies to assess their current resource needs. This legislation addresses concerns highlighted in the bill regarding China's existing military bases in Djibouti and Cambodia and its broader efforts to project military power globally.
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