Congressman Ro Khanna accused some Chinese-backed manufacturers operating in the United States of unfair labor practices and violating U.S. laws, as economic tensions between Washington and Beijing continue shaping bipartisan policy debates.
Khanna made the remarks during an interview with Fox News discussing his tour through Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan focused on industrial competition with China and the impact on American manufacturing workers.
“China has been bringing in investment into the United States and having some of these factories open up that are hiring people who are undocumented abusing hours,” Khanna said.
The California Democrat pointed to concerns involving manufacturing operations allegedly connected to Chinese investment in Ohio, arguing that some companies are benefiting from subsidies while failing to comply with U.S. labor standards.
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“There’s a glass manufacturer in Ohio that cannot go on,” he said. “The president needs to make it clear to China that they should not be opening up manufacturing in the United States, subsidizing it and violating the law.”
Khanna’s comments reflect growing bipartisan concern in Washington over Chinese economic influence, industrial subsidies, and supply-chain competition. Lawmakers from both parties have increasingly supported tougher scrutiny of Chinese-linked investments in sectors considered strategically important, including steel, automobiles, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.
“When I was in Cleveland at the Port of Cleveland, I was horrified to see Chinese steel there,” Khanna said. “Why aren’t we getting that from Cleveland-Cliffs or an American steel company?”
The remarks align with broader efforts in Congress to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported industrial goods. U.S. steel producers and labor unions have long argued that subsidized Chinese exports distort global markets and place American companies at a competitive disadvantage.
Khanna also emphasized bipartisan cooperation on China-related economic policy, referencing work with Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the House China Committee.
“We don’t want any Chinese connected cars in the United States,” Khanna said. “We need to protect American cars. We want steel to be American steel.”
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The comments come as both Democrats and Republicans increasingly converge on tougher positions toward China, particularly on trade, industrial policy, and national security. While disagreements remain over tariffs and broader diplomatic strategy, concerns about supply chains, labor standards, and manufacturing competitiveness have become one of the few major bipartisan areas in Congress.
Chinese officials have previously rejected accusations of unfair trade practices and argued that Chinese investment supports economic growth and job creation globally.
Khanna’s remarks also arrive ahead of renewed discussions between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping over trade access and agricultural exports, particularly affecting soybean and corn farmers facing weakened overseas demand.