US Lawmakers Young Kim and Colin Allred Introduce SPEED Act to Protect Africa from China's Harmful Practices
US Lawmakers Young Kim and Colin Allred Introduce SPEED Act to Protect Africa from China's Harmful Practices
Washington [US], August 6: US lawmakers Young Kim and Colin Allred have introduced the 'Stopping PRC Environmental Exploitation and Degradation Act' (SPEED) to counter the harmful environmental, ecological, and public health effects of investments linked to the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Africa.
China has become the largest trading partner, creditor, and investor in Africa through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, this initiative has been criticized for its 'debt-trap diplomacy' and harmful impacts on local communities and biodiversity in Africa.
Young Kim, chairwoman of the Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, stated, "We cannot allow Xi Jinping to get away with growing his global power and violating international environmental and labor laws in the process. I am proud to lead the SPEED Act to counter the Belt and Road Initiative and hold the PRC accountable for its exploitative practices."
Colin Allred added, "We cannot allow the PRC and Chinese-linked companies to continue their exploitation of African nations as they subject their people to harmful ecological and public health risks. The bipartisan SPEED Act will strengthen US policy, authorize sanctions, and hold the Chinese government accountable for the adverse incidents occurring in Africa."
The SPEED Act aims to establish a US policy to oppose PRC-linked entities that do not abide by the laws of the host country, international environmental protection, and labor laws. It will also initiate strategy formation from the US State Department and USAID to remediate environmental disasters caused by PRC companies and impose sanctions on those responsible for adverse incidents.
The act references a report titled 'China's Environment Abuses,' which highlights China's unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and disregard for the environment through its One Belt, One Road initiative. Over the past 20 years, China has significantly increased its economic activities in sub-Saharan Africa, often violating local and international laws, causing harm to local residents and wildlife.
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US Lawmakers
US lawmakers are people who make laws in the United States. They are like the leaders who decide what rules everyone should follow.
Young Kim and Colin Allred
Young Kim and Colin Allred are two people who work as lawmakers in the United States. They help make important decisions and create laws.
SPEED Act
The SPEED Act is a new rule that these lawmakers want to make. It stands for 'Stopping PRC Environmental Exploitation and Degradation Act' and is meant to protect Africa from bad things happening because of China's actions.
China's Harmful Practices
This means that some things China is doing in Africa are causing problems, like hurting the environment or making people sick.
Belt and Road Initiative
The Belt and Road Initiative is a big plan by China to build roads, railways, and other things in many countries, including Africa. Sometimes, this can cause problems for the environment and people.
PRC
PRC stands for People's Republic of China. It is another way to say China.
Sanctions
Sanctions are punishments or penalties. If someone does something bad, like breaking a law, they might have to pay money or stop doing certain things as a punishment.
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