The COUNTER Act of 2025 is a proposed law aimed at addressing China's growing military presence around the world. It requires U.S. officials to develop a strategy to counteract this expansion and report back to Congress regularly.
What This Bill Does
The COUNTER Act of 2025 is designed to tackle the issue of China's military bases outside its borders. The bill requires the U.S. Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to come up with a detailed plan within 180 days of the bill becoming law. This plan must identify at least five places where China has or wants to set up military bases. It also needs to list all U.S. government agencies involved, highlight any resource limitations they face, and suggest the best actions the U.S. and its allies can take to stop China from establishing these bases.
Every four years, the bill mandates a review of the strategy to ensure it remains effective and up-to-date. This means that Congress will get regular updates on the situation, helping them keep track of China's military activities and the U.S. response.
The bill defines "PRC global basing" as any location outside China where the Chinese military or intelligence forces have a presence. This includes places that support military, intelligence, or security operations aimed at projecting power globally.
Why It Matters
This bill could have a significant impact on global security and U.S. foreign policy. By addressing China's military expansion, the U.S. aims to prevent potential threats to its own military operations and those of its allies. This could help maintain stability in regions where China is looking to expand its influence.
For everyday Americans, this bill is about ensuring national security and protecting U.S. interests abroad. If successful, it could prevent future conflicts and reduce the need for costly military interventions. It also aims to strengthen relationships with allied nations, which can lead to better cooperation on various international issues.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: The bill requires a strategy that includes estimated resource needs, but no specific cost estimate is provided.
- Timeline for Implementation: The initial strategy must be submitted within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
- Number of People Affected: Primarily impacts federal agencies, allied nations, and U.S. military personnel.
- Key Dates: Introduced on May 13, 2025, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar on June 18, 2025.
- Bipartisan Support: Sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans, reflecting a wide agreement on the issue.
- Quadrennial Reviews: Requires strategy updates every four years to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
- Global Context: The bill responds to China's military activities in places like Djibouti and other strategic locations.
Arguments in Support
- Addresses a Strategic Threat: Supporters argue that China's military expansion is a real security concern that needs a coordinated response.
- Improves Coordination: The bill aims to streamline efforts among U.S. agencies, reducing overlap and improving efficiency.
- Enhances Oversight: Regular reports to Congress ensure that lawmakers are informed and can hold the executive branch accountable.
- Strengthens Diplomacy: By identifying effective actions, the bill provides tools for the U.S. and allies to diplomatically counter China's military moves.
- Bipartisan Support: The bill has backing from both Democrats and Republicans, indicating a shared concern over the issue.
Arguments in Opposition
- Potential Escalation: Critics worry that the bill might increase tensions with China, leading to a more confrontational relationship.
- Funding Concerns: There are questions about whether the bill provides enough resources to develop and implement the required strategy.
- Existing Mechanisms: Some argue that current government structures are sufficient to address the issue without new legislation.
- Feasibility Questions: Identifying and preventing all Chinese military expansions may be challenging and unrealistic.