S. 1883: Defending International Security by Restricting Unacceptable Partnerships and Tactics Act

This bill, known as the Defending International Security by Restricting Unacceptable Partnerships and Tactics Act (or DISRUPT Act), aims to address the growing cooperation among certain foreign adversaries of the United States. The countries targeted by this legislation include the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).

Key Objectives

• The bill requires the U.S. executive branch to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter the collaboration among these nations.
• It seeks to identify and mitigate the risks that this cooperation poses to U.S. national security.

Threat Assessment

According to assessments, the increasing collaboration among these four nations is seen as a significant threat. This cooperation enhances their individual military capabilities and poses new challenges to U.S. interests globally. This includes:

• Defensive cooperation, such as the transfer of weapons and military technology.
• Joint military exercises and the sharing of dual-use technologies, which can be utilized for both civilian and military applications.
• Coordination in disinformation and cyber operations.
• Efforts to work around U.S. economic sanctions and export controls.

Policy Statements

The bill outlines U.S. policy goals to:

• Disrupt dangerous aspects of cooperation among these adversaries.
• Constrain their global influence and military capabilities.
• Prepare for potential conflicts involving multiple adversaries simultaneously.

Establishment of Task Forces

Within 60 days of the bill's enactment, several high-level officials are tasked with creating interagency task forces. These task forces will:

• Conduct assessments of the threat posed by the cooperation among these adversaries.
• Report on the risks and recommend how to enhance U.S. response measures.

Reporting Requirements

The bill mandates various reports to be submitted to Congress, including:

• A report on the nature and trajectory of the cooperation among the adversaries within 60 days of enactment.
• A strategic approach report outlining necessary steps to disrupt adversary coordination within 180 days of enactment.

Implementation Plan

The reports are expected to include:

• A description of methods to disrupt cooperation.
• A timeline for diplomatic engagements.
• Analysis of existing vulnerabilities and necessary improvements in U.S. defenses.

Expected Outcomes

The goal of the legislation is to enhance the United States' ability to deter these adversaries and manage any threats that may arise from their collaborations. By addressing the interconnectedness of these nations, the U.S. aims to bolster its own national security and that of its allies.

Relevant Companies

• BIDU (Baidu, Inc.): Potential impacts due to its ties with China and implications in technology transfers.
• TCEHY (Tencent Holdings Limited): Possible repercussions based on its involvement in tech and military aspects closely related to cooperation with other targeted countries.
• RRRLF (Rolls-Royce Holdings plc): Engaged in defense, potential scrutiny over any partnerships with sanctioned nations.