US House Republicans set up new committee on China

Significance

The new committee, which will hold its first session by early next month, has the task of assessing the political, economic and other challenges posed by China. Although its creation fulfils a Republican campaign pledge, there is strong Democratic support for the committee to take a knowledgeable role in US China policy rather than merely criticising the Biden administration.

Impacts

• The committee's chair has worked well with Democrats in the past, introducing China-related legislation with its senior Democrat.
• The broad bipartisan support for establishing the Select Committee may not survive early Republican criticism of the White House.
• Other House committees will hold their own hearings on China to protect their jurisdiction, setting up potential tensions.