The U.S. Senate has approved an amendment to the defense spending bill that would prohibit federal funding for projects involving Chinese biotech companies considered a risk to national security. The amendment is part of the proposed Biosecure Act, introduced by Senators Gary Peters (Democrat) and Bill Hagerty (Republican). The bill must still pass the House of Representatives and be included in the final version of the defense budget.
If enacted, the amendment would effectively bar Chinese firms from access to U.S. federal contracts and grants in areas such as genetic research, drug development, and biotechnology. The goal is to strengthen the security of U.S.-led research while cutting off Chinese companies from technology that could potentially be used for military purposes — for instance, in developing biological weapons.
However, disconnecting Chinese companies from U.S. biotech projects is not as straightforward as it may seem. Such a move could disrupt supply chains, raise drug prices, and slow scientific innovation in the sector.
At the same time, U.S.–China trade tensions are escalating. In response to China’s decision to expand export controls on rare earth metals — critical to the tech industry — President Donald Trump has announced 100% tariffs on all Chinese goods imported into the United States, effective November 1, 2025.
Still, the U.S. government appears to be seeking ways to de-escalate the situation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that negotiations with China are underway to avoid a full-blown trade war.
It increasingly appears that both the tariffs and the biotech funding restrictions are part of a broader U.S. strategic maneuver against China. If ongoing negotiations between the two nations succeed, these plans to curb China’s influence may either not be implemented or take effect only partially.
