US Congress advances defense bill with strong focus on countering China

Both chambers of the U.S. Congress are moving forward with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a bill that sets U.S. defense policy and authorizes military spending, with a significant focus on countering China. Despite some differences between the House and Senate versions, both overwhelmingly agree on addressing China's military, technological, and economic influence.

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This is the first time that Congress has proposed direct statutory authorization for this program, shifting it from a planning requirement to an operational capability.

The House has already passed its version of the 2027 fiscal year NDAA, while the Senate is working to approve its draft before the August recess. Following this, a conference committee will reconcile the differing provisions before the bill is sent to the President. Experts note that while the overall tone aligns with previous years, this year's bill introduces substantial new clauses targeting China across defense procurement, supply chains, artificial intelligence, industrial policy, and economic security.

Taiwan remains a central focus in both legislative versions. The Senate's draft proposes a "War Reserve Stockpile Program" for Taiwan, authorizing the pre-deployment of humanitarian aid, ammunition, missiles, and other military equipment to enhance Taiwan's readiness in case of conflict. Bonnie Glaser, director of the Indo-Pacific program at the German Marshall Fund, described this as the first time Congress has proposed direct statutory authorization for such a program, shifting it from a planning requirement to an operational capability.

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strongly condemn and firmly oppose

China has reacted strongly, with its embassy in Washington issuing a stern statement condemning the NDAA provisions and warning that any attempt to arm Taiwan would face "severe consequences." Chinese President Xi Jinping previously emphasized Taiwan as the most critical issue in U.S.-China relations. The NDAA also aims to reduce the Pentagon's reliance on Chinese products and suppliers, with specific clauses designed to prevent China from accessing advanced AI chips, cloud computing, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The Senate bill also prohibits the Pentagon from funding entertainment projects linked to the Chinese state.

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will face severe consequences

Furthermore, the Senate version mandates the Pentagon to develop a strategy for South China Sea crises within a year, outlining potential flashpoints and a phased response plan in coordination with federal agencies and foreign partners. This includes deepening military partnerships with the Philippines and Australia and assessing Japan's defense capabilities to bolster regional alliances. Researchers characterize the NDAA's stance as maintaining a standard position, viewing Beijing as a "strategic competitor ambitious to dominate Asia."

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the most important issue