Marsha Blackburn questions Bowser over Beijing removal as DC’s ‘sister city’
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), along with several Republican colleagues, is investigating whether Washington, D.C. has officially ended its “sister city” relationship with Beijing, China. The inquiry follows the removal of Beijing from the district’s official sister city list on its municipal website in August, without any formal proclamation.Since 1984, Washington, D.C. and Beijing had been sister cities, a partnership meant to foster international cooperation. The senators express concern that such agreements might be exploited by foreign governments, notably China, to advance soft power, spread propaganda, or suppress dissent. They have requested clarification from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office regarding the status of this relationship, copies of any relevant agreements, and whether other sister city partnerships are under review. This examination is part of a broader republican effort to scrutinize foreign influence through sister city relationships, especially with countries considered adversaries to U.S. interests. Senator blackburn has also introduced legislation aimed at protecting these international partnerships from potential foreign exploitation.
Marsha Blackburn questions Bowser over decision to remove Beijing as DC’s ‘sister city’
EXCLUSIVE — Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) is leading an inquiry into the status of Washington, D.C.‘s, relationship as a “sister city” with Beijing, China.
Blackburn and several other GOP senators sent a letter to Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, questioning whether the district’s “sister city” status with the Chinese capital has been revoked and calling for greater transparency on the matter.
Washington, D.C., and Beijing became “sister cities” in 1984, marking a long-term partnership between the two capitals. Beijing was removed as a “sister city” partner from the district’s municipal website in August without an announcement of a change in status, according to the Republican lawmakers.
“Given the national security implications, we believe it is important to ensure that all formal and informal agreements between U.S. and foreign municipalities are not exploited by foreign government — particularly the People’s Republic of China — as vehicles to advance soft-power objectives, disseminate propaganda, or suppress dissenting voices,” the Republican senators wrote in their letter to Bowser’s office.
Washington, D.C., and Beijing are still listed as “sister city” partners on Sister Cities International’s online membership directory. However, the district’s website does not include Beijing as one of its 14 current “sister cities.” Washington, D.C., has partnerships with other international cities such as Bangkok, Thailand; Paris, France; and San Salvador, El Salvador.
Blackburn and co-signers Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Ted Budd (R-NC) requested information on whether the “sister city” status was terminated or suspended. They also asked Bowser’s office for a copy of any agreement on the “sister city” relationship with Beijing and whether the district is looking to review or reassess “sister city” agreements with other international cities.
“We are certain you share our commitment to protecting U.S. communities from potential foreign influence and safeguarding American interests,” the lawmakers wrote.
The letter comes as part of a greater effort by Republican lawmakers to investigate how “sister city” relationships with adversarial countries can be used against the United States. Though the push first gained momentum in 2023, Blackburn introduced a series of acts focused on investigating foreign influence in late July this year.
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The District of Columbia Sister City Integrity Act, Senate Bill 2565, targets the district’s partnerships with foreign adversaries.
The U.S. has approximately 132 “sister city” partnerships with Chinese cities, according to Sister Cities International.
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