Kim bill to ensure China gets no preferential treatment

Bipartisan legislation sponsored on Feb. 21 by U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) would oppose the People’s Republic of China (PRC) being labeled as a developing nation to ensure it does not receive preferential treatment in any international treaties, agreements, or organizations to which the United States is involved. 

“The Chinese Communist Party is exploiting countries in need and receiving preferential treatment in international treaties and organizations,” said Rep. Kim, chair of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific. “We must take action to right this wrong.”

Rep. Kim introduced the PRC is Not a Developing Country Act, H.R. 1107, with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) to also pursue the labeling or treatment of the PRC as an upper-middle income, high-income, or developed country in each international organization of which the U.S. is a member, according to the text of the bill.

“The PRC is Not a Developing Country Act will ensure that the Chinese government is not getting unfairly favorable treatment and influence at the expense of truly developing nations,” Rep. Kim said. “I will keep working to ensure that the CCP is held accountable and the United States and our values lead the way in supporting developing countries around the world.”

H.R. 1107 has been referred to the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee for consideration.

“For too long, China has used its status as a developing country to game the system,” said Rep. Connolly. “It is time for China to stop evading its responsibilities to combat climate change and play a constructive role in the international arena. I’m proud to join Rep. Young Kim to lead the charge for a level playing field.”