Wenstrup bill requests report on China’s investments in global port infrastructure

U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) last week offered bipartisan legislation that would require the director of National Intelligence to submit a report on Chinese investment in global port infrastructure.

Introduction of the bill follows a recommendation in the 2021 U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s Annual Report to Congress to assess Chinese port investments within the Western Hemisphere as China has invested heavily in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“The information our bipartisan legislation calls for will help America strengthen our ability to combat the CCP’s economic and security footholds at home and around the globe.” Rep. Wenstrup said.

The congressman sponsored the Transparency for Malign Chinese Investments in Global Port Infrastructure Act, H.R. 6798, with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), which would direct the National Intelligence director to consult with the secretaries of Defense and State to study and report to Congress on Chinese investments in port infrastructure made around the globe since Jan. 1, 2012, according to the text of the bill.

“The Chinese Communist Party has quietly expanded its grip on critical port infrastructure across the globe, which it may exploit for economic and military advantages,” said Rep. Wenstrup. “As China continues its aggressive actions against America and her allies, Congress — and the American people — need a better understanding of our vulnerabilities and China’s strongholds.” 

If enacted, the report authorized under H.R. 6798 would include a review of existing and potential or planned future Chinese investments in port infrastructure, including by government entities and state-owned enterprises; any known Chinese interest in establishing a military presence at or near such ports; and an assessment of China’s current and potential future ability to leverage commercial ports for military purposes and the implications for the national and economic security of the U.S., the text says.

According to Rep. Wenstrup’s staff, the lawmaker previously offered this legislation as an amendment to the America COMPETES Act. It was included in the U.S. House-approved version.