Brevard Sun

Members of Congress, led by Congressman Bill Posey, have called for a strategy to combat the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in international standard bodies. In a letter to high-level administration officials, Congressman Posey and his colleagues emphasized the need to address this threat in order to protect American interests and maintain leadership in developing technical standards.

The letter highlights the CCP's efforts to gain control of the international standards community by increasing participation, proposing new standards, and securing leadership positions in international organizations. This co-opting of international standards bodies not only undermines American employers and employees but also disadvantages the United States in terms of innovation and competitiveness.

Congressman Posey stressed the importance of protecting American interests in these standard-setting bodies, stating, "It is crucial to protect American interests at these standard-setting bodies so that we remain a leader in developing technical standards." Congressman Brandon Williams echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to defend America's seat at the table and prevent Chinese companies from exerting their influence on international standards bodies.

Other members of Congress, including Chairman Frank Lucas and Congressman Dale Strong, highlighted the need for a unified response to the CCP's push to set global standards. Congressman Strong emphasized the importance of protecting American innovation, designs, and standards, while Congressman Rich McCormick emphasized the significance of the US setting standards on a global platform.

To address this issue, the members of Congress have called on several government agencies to provide answers and recommendations. The letters seek responses from the U.S. Trade Representative, the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These agencies were directed by the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act to conduct a study on the impact of CCP policies on international bodies involved in developing and setting international standards for emerging technologies.

The purpose of this inquiry is to ensure that the Biden Administration allocates sufficient resources to protect American innovation and standards. By focusing on innovation, transparency, and voluntary and merit-based standards, the strategy proposed by Congressman Posey and his colleagues aims to uphold American leadership and competitiveness in international standards bodies.

In conclusion, members of Congress are calling for a strategy to combat the Chinese Co-opting of international standards bodies. With the CCP's increasing influence, it is crucial to protect American interests and maintain leadership in developing technical standards. The letters sent to various government agencies seek answers and recommendations to address this threat and ensure the protection of American innovation and standards on the global stage.

To learn more, click on this link: https://posey.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397179