A group of 17 congressional Republicans is urging President Joe Biden to block a proposal at the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that they believe would bolster China’s influence and diminish America’s leadership in global agriculture. Led by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS), the lawmakers expressed serious concerns over FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu’s proposed reforms.
The proposal includes extending the Director-General’s tenure from eight years to ten, increasing the annual salary and allowances, and expanding FAO’s control over the U.S.-led World Food Programme. The lawmakers contend that such changes threaten to shift power in favor of China at a time when global food security is under strain due to increasing conflicts.
The letter to Biden, sent on Wednesday, emphasized that nearly 700 million people worldwide face hunger, and argued that the proposal “de-emphasizes any of FAO’s successful efforts to achieve food security” while allowing China to exploit U.S. political transitions. The lawmakers warned that the reforms align with Beijing’s foreign policy goals, which pose strategic challenges for the U.S.
“Let us be clear, the nationality of any FAO Director-General alone is not of concern; rather, our concern remains with policy initiatives and personnel appointments which could advance foreign policy goals which pose a threat to America,” the letter stated.
Since Qu Dongyu’s election in 2019, Chinese influence within FAO has grown significantly. The letter noted that high-level Chinese appointments within FAO divisions have nearly doubled, often in areas where U.S. and Chinese policies are in direct conflict. The legislators argue that this increased influence compromises the integrity and efficiency of international food and agriculture efforts.
The signatories included Republican senators Bill Hagerty (TN), Joni Ernst (IA), James Risch (WI), and Rick Scott (FL), alongside representatives Brad Finstad (MN), John Moolenaar (MI), Austin Scott (GA), Dusty Johnson (SD), and others. They stressed that allowing China to consolidate power in the FAO could weaken America’s ability to lead global agriculture and food security initiatives.
The letter called on President Biden to reject any measures that “could undermine efficiency in food and agriculture-related organizations, strengthen China’s position, or weaken America’s leadership on the world stage.” They also urged the administration to ensure that American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers remain central to global food policy.
The FAO proposal has advanced to a stage of informal consultation, making the lawmakers’ warning timely. As tensions between the U.S. and China persist over trade, security, and influence in international organizations, this appeal reflects ongoing concerns over Beijing’s attempts to shape global governance.
The issue underscores broader geopolitical challenges as China continues expanding its role in international bodies. Congressional Republicans are making it clear they expect the Biden administration to actively counter these moves and defend American interests in global agriculture leadership.
