Kelly, Wittman lead bipartisan effort to counter growing China influence over ports

Mark Kelly, the Arizona senator on Kamala Harris’ VP short list, is heading up a bipartisan effort to counter growing Chinese influence over U.S. ports.

The Strategic Ports Reporting Act would require the Department of Defense to draft an interagency strategy report on China’s efforts to expand its global maritime network.

Chinese companies have made it a priority to build up ownership shares to key ports in the United States and around the world. U.S. leaders are saying the investments represent a risk to our national security interests and to America’s access to trade, global supply chains, and overall maneuverability in the maritime domain.

“America has always been a seafaring nation, relying on trade to fuel our economy,” said Kelly, who, according to new reporting out today, is one of three finalists to be Harris’ running mate, alongside Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

“This bill is critical to securing our ports overseas from Chinese influence that threatens our economy and our national security,” Kelly said.

Virginia Republican Rob Wittman is leading the legislative effort on the Strategic Ports Reporting Act in the U.S. House.

“As China continues its military aggression in the Indo-Pacific and expands its economic influence across the globe, it is more important than ever that the United States has a plan to counter China’s investments in strategic foreign ports while ensuring resilience of U.S.-aligned ports,” Wittman said. “I’m proud to introduce the Strategic Ports Reporting Act, which will take critical steps toward ensuring America’s national security and economic interests as the Chinese Communist Party works to broaden its global dominance both economically and militarily.”