U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) have introduced the True Reciprocity Act of 2023, legislation to address the substantial imbalance in the relationship between the United States and China across a number of sectors, including diplomacy, trade, media, and non-governmental organization (NGO) activity. Specifically, the legislation directs the Biden administration to develop an in-depth report to Congress detailing the lack of reciprocity in these areas and a strategy for addressing them.
“For decades, American citizens, businesses and organizations operating in China have faced significant restrictions and censorship, in sharp contrast to the treatment faced by their CCP counterparts who operate largely unencumbered in the United States,” said Senator Sullivan. “Our government has raised this lack of reciprocity with the most senior government and CCP officials, and these officials have consistently committed to leveling the playing field but never take concrete actions to right this wrong. In fact, the imbalance continues to worsen—in favor of the CCP. The result is an unacceptable, unreciprocated level of CCP access and influence in the U.S. It is up to Congress to act, establish the principle of reciprocity, and protect the interests of American citizens and businesses. Senator Van Hollen and I are continuing to push this very basic concept, the lack of which puts the U.S. at considerable disadvantage in our global competition with China. We encourage our colleagues to join us in pursuing a bilateral relationship defined by something understood by every American citizen: reciprocity and fairness.”
“For too long, the Government of China has imposed a double standard – their officials and organizations take advantage of the openness and transparency of our society but they deny similar access to our diplomats, businesses, media, and other entities. We must insist that the PRC extend reciprocal access to American entities if they want their officials and organizations to continue receiving those benefits from the United States. This bipartisan legislation will help enforce the principle of equal treatment by identifying the key sectors that lack reciprocity and developing a coherent strategy for closing those gaps,” said Senator Van Hollen.