House passes Barr bill requiring reports on China’s support of Russian invasion of Ukraine

Bipartisan legislation offered by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) requiring the U.S. State Department to report to Congress on China’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine received approval this week from the U.S. House of Representatives. To date, China has not condemned Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

“The alliance between the Chinese Communist Party and the Russian Kremlin is the new axis of evil that threatens the United States and the rules-based international order,” Rep. Barr said. “We need a full report on the extent of the collaboration between Russia and China to inform the public and enable lawmakers to begin positioning the U.S. to overcome this geopolitical challenge.”

The Assessing Xi’s Interference and Subversion (AXIS) Act, H.R. 7314, which Rep. Barr introduced on March 31, would require the State Department to submit an initial report within 30 days of the bill’s enactment and every 90 days thereafter. The House on Wednesday voted 394-3 to approve H.R. 7314, which has garnered seven cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Young Kim (R-CA), and Brad Sherman (D-CA).

If enacted, H.R. 7314 specifically would require periodical reports from the State Department on whether and how China’s government, the Chinese Communist Party, or any other Chinese entity has provided support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to the congressional record bill summary. 

The report must address specified matters, including any efforts to help Russia’s government or Russian entities evade sanctions or export controls; provide Russia with technology to support Russia’s military or intelligence capabilities; or further Russia’s misinformation and propaganda efforts, the summary says.

“I commend Congressman Barr for introducing this important legislation that will help inform the American people of the extent of this unholy alliance,” said Rep. McCaul, ranking member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, which amended and approved H.R. 7314 on April 5.

The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.