Across the United States, state lawmakers have introduced more than 240 bills aimed at reducing ties with China. These proposals range from banning the use of Chinese-made technology to ending sister-city agreements with Chinese cities. The efforts are part of a growing push to protect public funds, data, and national interests. Most of the bills have come from Republican-led legislatures and reflect rising tensions between the two global powers.
State proposals target technology, trade, and ties with China
Lawmakers are focusing on several key areas. Many bills prohibit the purchase of Chinese-made drones, software, and medical equipment for government use. Others prevent pension funds from investing in Chinese companies. Some proposals even ban buying everyday items like mugs, T-shirts, and souvenirs made in China for state use.
In Arkansas, a new law blocks any contracts for promotional items that come from China. It also targets sister-city programs. These agreements, once seen as a way to foster cultural exchange, are now viewed by some lawmakers as a threat.
New laws in Kansas, Tennessee, and more
Kansas has passed legislation that includes rules on artificial intelligence and Chinese-made medical gear. Tennessee has gone even further, banning health insurance coverage for organ transplants performed in China or involving organs sourced from China.
These actions are part of a wider strategy to reduce China’s influence in U.S. public affairs. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that either the United States or China is going to lead the world in the next few decades. For her, she wants it to be the U.S.
Her administration successfully passed a broad package of laws under the banner of the Communist China Defense initiative.
The role of former President Donald Trump
Many of these proposals started before former President Donald Trump placed 145 percent tariffs on Chinese goods. However, his strong stance on China has energized Republican lawmakers.
Kyle Jaros, a global affairs professor at the University of Notre Dame, noted that Trump’s presidency marked a turning point. The first Trump administration had a very different message than the preceding Obama administration about state and local engagement with China.
According to Jaros, the Trump administration saw limited value in close ties between U.S. states and Chinese cities.
COVID-19 pandemic increased tensions
The outbreak of COVID-19 further increased skepticism toward China. As U.S. public opinion shifted, many lawmakers began to view ties with China as a security and health risk.
David Adkins, CEO of the nonpartisan Council on State Governments and a former Kansas legislator, said the issue is politically safe. Playing the patriotism card against China resonates with U.S. voters.
Support and criticism
Supporters of these bills say they are essential for national security. They believe taxpayer money should not go toward foreign products that could pose risks to privacy or national interests.
Critics, however, warn of economic fallout and rising anti-Asian sentiment. Some fear that cutting ties too quickly could hurt local businesses and limit cultural understanding.
Despite the debate, the trend shows no signs of slowing. So far in 2024, at least 41 states have introduced anti-China bills, according to Plural, a bill-tracking software tool used by the Associated Press.
A growing national movement
The movement to limit China’s influence is no longer confined to federal policy. States are taking independent action to shape their own relationships with foreign nations. The shift marks a new era in U.S. domestic policy, where state legislatures play a growing role in international affairs.