SE North Carolina News

On February 27, 2025, Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Strategic Ports Reporting Act. This legislation mandates that the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense monitor China's activities related to strategic ports worldwide.

The bill calls for creating a map of foreign and domestic ports significant to the United States for military, diplomatic, economic, or resource exploration purposes. It aims to identify efforts by China to build, buy, or control such ports.

Additionally, the bill requires a study on China's plans regarding strategic ports. This includes assessing vulnerabilities of U.S.-operated ports and developing strategies to secure trusted investments in these locations.

A companion bill in the House is led by Representatives Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), and Johnny Olszewski (D-MD).

Senator Budd highlighted a Senate Commerce Committee hearing that underscored China's increasing global influence: "The United States must face this reality head-on, and the first step is comprehensive monitoring of PRC activities at domestic and foreign ports that threaten our national interest."

Senator Scott emphasized the need for decisive action: "The Chinese Communist Party’s increasing influence over global trade routes and strategic infrastructure poses a direct threat to the United States’ national security and economic stability."

Senator Kelly pointed out potential risks: "China’s growing influence over the oceans can have serious consequences for our national security and economy."

Congressman Huizenga noted bipartisan cooperation as crucial: "The expansionist policies...are challenges that Republicans and Democrats must confront together."

Congressman Wittman stressed identifying Chinese influence through recommendations from relevant departments: "It is crucial for the Departments of State and Defense to identify ways in which the Chinese Communist Party is expanding its maritime reach."

Congressman Auchincloss stated historical significance: "Control over ports is a pathway to global power."

Congressman Olszewski warned about threats to stability: "China’s growing control over global ports threatens our national security and economic stability here at home."