The House version of the fiscal 2027 defense authorization bill calls on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to report on the Chinese Communist Party’s influence in South Korea. The provision would require the Pentagon chief to conduct an assessment of the CCP’s “malign influence” in South Korea and the risks posed to U.S. defense interests.

Background

According to the $1.15 trillion bill approved on Wednesday, the report must be completed by the end of November and must include an assessment of how China’s influence poses human intelligence and defense risks to American military forces based in South Korea.

Other provisions will explore the growth of Chinese technology firms in South Korea and whether they represent defense risks. The report must examine whether steps can be taken by the South Korean government to assist the growth of U.S. technology firms and “to address any defense threats identified by the Department of Defense from the [People’s Republic of China] that impact the information security of the United States Armed Forces based in the Republic of Korea.”

Concerns Over South Korean Leader

The measure reflects Republican concerns that the government of liberal South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is moving South Korea closer to its communist Chinese neighbor. Mr. Lee took office in June 2025 and promised to pursue pragmatic diplomacy with China, a shift from ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who favored more anti-communist and pro-U.S. policies.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a January meeting, noted China and South Korea’s shared experience in World War II opposing “Japanese militarism” — a recurring Chinese propaganda theme. Mr. Lee has a history of taking openly pro-China positions, telling a campaign rally that South Korea should say “xiexie” — thank you — to China and that what happens in the Taiwan Strait is not a concern.

Persecution of Christians in South Korea

In South Korea, conservative Christians also are facing persecution, and several faith leaders have been forced into severe pretrial detention. They include Hak Ja Han Moon, the 82-year-old co-founder and spiritual head of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, who is in failing health and is being held on what appear to be politically motivated financial charges.

Original reporting: WMAL (Washington DC) — read the source article.