Developing Nation Status Act

June 14, 2023

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has recently approved bipartisan legislation known as the Developing Nation Status Act, which seeks to remove China’s “developing country” status. This move follows a similar action taken by the US House of Representatives in March. The legislation has significant implications for China’s position in international organizations and treaties.

The Developing Nation Status Act

The legislation, officially called the Developing Nation Status Act, was unanimously passed by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Its main goal is to constitute a US policy against granting China the “developing country” status in future treaties and international organizations. The act directs the Secretary of State to actively pursue changing China’s status to that of a “developed country” in relevant agreements.

Privileges and Exploitation

China’s developing country status currently affords it certain privileges within specific organizations and treaties. These privileges include market access, loans, and technical assistance. Supporters of the legislation argue that China can no longer be considered a developing country due to its robust economy, military power, and extensive global investments. They contend that China has exploited its designation for an unfair advantage in multilateral negotiations, particularly evident in its Belt and Road Initiative.

International Organizations and Responses

While the United Nations and certain other international organizations still regard China as a developing country, the US legislation aims to challenge this perception. However, China’s foreign ministry asserts that it is not up to the US to decide its status, emphasizing that China’s position as the world’s largest developing country is grounded in facts and international law.

Additional Legislation and Perspectives

In addition to the legislation on China’s developing country status, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee also passed the Taiwan Protection and National Resilience Act. This demonstrates a bipartisan consensus in the US Congress to address China-related issues.

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