COUNTER Act of 2025

The "Combating PRC Overseas and Unlawful Networked Threats through Enhanced Resilience Act of 2025," or the COUNTER Act of 2025 , addresses the People's Republic of China's (PRC) expanding global military presence. Congressional findings indicate the PRC is actively seeking to expand its overseas logistics and basing infrastructure to project military power, with existing bases in Djibouti and access to facilities in Cambodia. This expansion could disrupt United States military operations and jeopardize U.S. and allied interests. The bill mandates that the Director of National Intelligence submit an intelligence assessment within 180 days, analyzing the risks posed by PRC global basing to the United States and its allies. Concurrently, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, must submit a comprehensive strategy within 180 days. This strategy must identify at least five high-risk locations where the PRC maintains or seeks a physical presence, detail executive branch efforts to mitigate impacts, and suggest effective actions for the U.S. and allies to prevent new PRC bases. Furthermore, the legislation requires the establishment of an interagency task force within 90 days of the strategy's submission to implement its provisions and identify mitigation measures against future PRC basing efforts. The bill emphasizes a whole-of-government approach , proactive engagement, and strong interagency coordination, including leveraging allies and partners. Quadrennial reviews are also mandated to assess and update the Executive Branch's strategy in response to the PRC's evolving global basing intentions.