US senators introduce bill to curtail China’s alleged attempts at repressing its nationals abroad
- Motivated also by conduct of Russia and Iran, most comprehensive American legislation on issue to date could expand legal definition of foreign agent
- Transnational repression to include unlawful renditions or deportations, physical and online surveillance, and libel, among other activity
A bipartisan group of US senators on Thursday introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening efforts to curtail Beijing’s alleged attempts to repress its nationals abroad.
As the most comprehensive legislative effort to date on the issue, the legislation could expand the legal definition of a foreign agent, giving American officials extra ammunition in an intensifying effort across departments to crack down on transnational repression.
Unlawful renditions or deportations, physical and online surveillance, physical assault and intimidation, unlawful asset freezes and slander or libel to discredit individuals are included in the definition.
The legislation would “establish a new US policy to hold foreign governments and individuals accountable” for such abuses and “elevate countering transnational repression as a key foreign policy priority”, Merkley and Rubio said in a joint announcement.