China Tells US to Drop ‘Negative Provisions’ Targeting Beijing in 2026 Defence Bill

China has called on the United States to remove what it described as “negative provisions” on Beijing in the US Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. 

The demand was issued by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press briefing in Beijing on Friday, December 19, 2025.

Guo accused the legislation of exaggerating the so-called “China threat,” interfering in China’s internal affairs, and undermining its sovereignty, security, and development interests. He warned that if Washington insists on maintaining the contentious provisions, China will “take resolute and forceful measures” to defend its core interests.

The spokesperson also addressed the escalating unrest in Bangladesh following the death of youth protest leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which has sparked violent demonstrations ahead of the country’s February 2026 parliamentary elections.

Guo expressed Beijing’s hopes for “a safe, smooth, and successful election,” adding that China believes all sectors of Bangladeshi society can work together to advance crucial political processes while safeguarding national unity and stability.

Tensions in Dhaka intensified on Thursday when student protesters attacked the offices of two of the country’s largest newspapers—Prothom Alo and The Daily Star—accusing them of aligning with India, where former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken refuge since her government was toppled.