H.R. 5329 — Regional China Officer Authorization Act

This section states congressional findings on the Department of State's Regional China Officer (RCO) program, including its start in 2019 with six overseas-deployed officers; growth to 20 positions across all regional bureaus as of January 2025; roles in assessing and reporting on People's Republic of China (PRC) activities, prioritizing U.S. diplomatic efforts on PRC-related issues, and coordinating strategies to counter PRC malign influence; and placement within the Office of China Coordination in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

This section expresses the sense of Congress that (1) the United States must adequately monitor and analyze People's Republic of China (PRC) malign activities contrary to U.S. interests amid global competition with the PRC; (2) the Department of State's RCO program is a key asset for strategic competition with China at global, regional, and subregional levels; and (3) the United States must continue countering PRC activities that coerce other countries, distort markets, and undermine U.S. interests.

This section establishes a Regional China Officer Program Unit within the Office of China Coordination of the Department of State's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to be staffed by one Director (appointed from career Foreign Service officers within 90 days of enactment, without increasing overall full-time equivalent positions) and at least 20 forward-deployed Regional China Officers (RCOs) assigned to U.S. diplomatic or consular posts or allied foreign ministries. RCOs, selected for China-related expertise (including experience in China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong and Mandarin proficiency), must include at least two per specified regional bureaus—African Affairs, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, European and Eurasian Affairs, International Organization Affairs, Near Eastern Affairs, South and Central Asian Affairs, and Western Hemisphere Affairs—and are responsible for (1) monitoring Chinese activities across commercial, development, finance, infrastructure, technology, and military domains (including Belt and Road Initiative projects) and (2) advising U.S. embassies, allies, partners, and host countries on countering them. The Director oversees RCO activities to enhance U.S. responsiveness to China, build knowledge and trust, identify engagement gaps, and manage hiring. This section authorizes appropriations of $2.5 million annually for FY2026 through FY2030 to expand the RCO program and support management (including one locally employed staff position per region) and $1.25 million annually for the same period (up to $50,000 per RCO) for related programs and public diplomacy activities, with funds available until expended and in addition to amounts for the Countering PRC Influence Fund. This section sunsets the program five years after enactment and defines "ally" for this Act as a NATO member or major non-NATO ally under section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321k).