Relationship Details

This document section details a significant shift in US policy toward China, moving from a position of "engagement" to a more confrontational stance. Initially led by the US Congress and later embraced by the Trump administration and various government agencies, this change was a response to concerns over China's nonreciprocal trade practices, military expansion in the South China Sea, and influence operations. The text highlights legislative actions like the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act and the FIRMMA of 2018 as key components of this new, more skeptical approach to US-China relations.

This document details China's influence efforts directed at the U.S. Congress from 1979 to 1988, following the establishment of formal diplomatic relations. It describes how China, in response to pro-Taiwan lobbying, utilized organizations like the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) to build relationships with congressional members and staff by hosting delegations in China. The text frames CPIFA as a "united front organization" or GONGO that carries out government-directed policies while appearing independent.