U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican, has been appointed as the new chair of the House Select Committee on China, succeeding Representative Mike Gallagher, who announced his upcoming departure from Congress in April.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Moolenaar’s congressional service and bipartisan respect, highlighting his capability to steer the committee effectively.

The bipartisan committee focuses on addressing economic and national security challenges posed by China’s Communist Party (CCP) but lacks legislative authority.

Under Gallagher’s leadership, it gained prominence as a platform for lawmakers to propose measures countering China’s influence.

Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress share a common stance of adopting a tough approach towards Beijing. Moolenaar aims to continue this bipartisan effort, emphasizing the importance of competing effectively with the CCP.

Moolenaar’s appointment signals optimism among committee staffers for sustained bipartisan collaboration on China-related issues. He aligns closely with Gallagher’s vision, particularly emphasizing economic competition with China and advocating for U.S. manufacturing interests.

Given Michigan’s automotive industry, Moolenaar has been vocal about protecting domestic manufacturing from potential threats posed by Chinese imports, particularly in the electric vehicle sector.

Alongside other lawmakers, he has called for increased tariffs on Chinese vehicles to safeguard American manufacturing jobs.

As Moolenaar assumes leadership, the committee’s focus on countering China’s global influence remains paramount. With bipartisan support, it aims to address ongoing challenges and ensure that the United States remains competitive in the face of China’s growing presence on the world stage.