The AXIS Act requires the U.S. State Department to submit ongoing reports to Congress on China’s support for Russia before and since the invasion of Ukraine if enacted. U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) speaks on the House floor about the AXIS Act in the video above.
Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr’s (R-KY) bipartisan legislation requiring the U.S. State Department to submit ongoing reports to Congress on China’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine passed the House of Representatives. The Assessing Xi’s Interference and Subversion (AXIS) Act requires the State Department to submit an initial report within 30 days of the bill’s enactment and every 90 days thereafter.
“The alliance between the Chinese Communist Party and the Russian Kremlin is the new Axis of evil that threatens the United States and the rules-based international order,” said Congressman Barr. “We need a full report on the extent of the collaboration between Russia and China to inform the public and enable lawmakers to begin positioning the U.S. to overcome this geopolitical challenge.”
“The Chinese Communist Party has proven it is not willing or capable of acting as a constructive partner in Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine. Rather, they are complicit. I commend Congressman Barr for introducing this important legislation that will help inform the American people of the extent of this unholy alliance,” said U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), who serves as the lead Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
China has not condemned Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. On February 4, Russia and the China released a joint statement following a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping outlining a strategic partnership with “no limits.” Shortly after the invasion, the Russian oil and gas giant Gazprom struck a massive deal to export natural gas to China. Finally, China even abstained from a United Nations resolution of condemnation against Russia for the invasion of Ukraine.
Congressman Barr is an original member of the House of Representatives China Task Force and serves on the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia and Nonproliferation. Barr is also a conferee on the comprehensive legislation being developed by members of the House and Senate to address China.