In a recent congressional meeting, a bipartisan delegation discussed strategies to enhance cooperation with European allies regarding China and the ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The dialogue emphasized the need for a more robust application of sanctions against Chinese firms that are perceived to be supporting Russia.

One congressman raised concerns about the U.S. Department of Commerce's recent addition of 30 Chinese companies to its entity list, questioning why these firms had not also been placed on the Treasury's Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) list, which would impose stricter sanctions. The congressman argued that such actions would send a stronger signal to European partners and encourage them to take the issue more seriously.

The administration acknowledged the importance of engaging European nations on Indo-Pacific policies, noting their eagerness for information on U.S. strategies regarding the South China Sea and security alliances like AUKUS. The discussion highlighted a perceived gap in European experience and knowledge about these critical issues, suggesting that U.S. leadership could help bridge this divide.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the Philippines' sovereignty over the Second Thomas Shoal, with officials advocating for a strengthened bilateral partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines as a means to assert international recognition of the area. The dialogue underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing regional security challenges.

Overall, the meeting reflected a concerted effort to align U.S. foreign policy with European interests and to enhance collective responses to threats posed by China and Russia.