WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today introduced the Partner with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Act. To counter the rising tech threat from China, this legislation would solidify and enhance cooperation with key partners in digital economy, advanced computing, and scientific research.
“Where China steals intellectual property and coerces other nations to do its bidding, America has real, true partnerships based on extensive economic, security, and technology ties. ASEAN, CERN, and PIF are organizations—made up of some of our most important partners around the world—that have contributed to making America more prosperous, safer, and secure. As China seeks to undermine the free world, co-opt out research, and use it for their own malign purposes, this bill would ensure the U.S. continues to deepen relationships with our friends to push back on China’s influence,” said Chairman Risch.
“If America wants to remain a global leader in an increasingly interconnected world, we have to show up for our partners abroad and continue to deepen our ties,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our legislation would help expand cooperation with our partners in ASEAN, CERN and PIF and ensure we continue to invest in these relationships that help keep America competitive and make it clear that we are the partner of choice—not the People’s Republic of China.”
“Communist China is using illegal practices to gain an unfair advantage in the tech world,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Now is the time to stand together with our allies and partners across the globe to counter these aggressive tactics. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will make our country more secure and spur job-creating technology innovations here at home.”
Background:
• The Partner with ASEAN, CERN, and PIF Act amends the International Organizations Immunities Act to expand diplomatic privileges and immunities to these three international organizations.
• It provides the legal authorities to streamline the movement of people and materials between these organizations and the U.S., deepening U.S. ties with Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and a key scientific research partner.
View the full text of the Partner with ASEAN, CERN, and PIF Act here.