WASHINGTON, DC — As first reported in The Blaze, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led several of his colleagues in an effort to support the Trump Administration's effort to counter the Chinese Communist Party's influence over global telecommunications.
In a letter to Secretary Rubio, Secretary Lutnick, and Secretary Hegseth, Rep. Pfluger and his colleagues highlighted their shared concerns with the Administration about China hosting the 2027 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-27). The lawmakers also outlined the potential consequences and made recommendations on steps to take to ensure the United States, not China, remains at the forefront of global telecommunications leadership.
In part, the members wrote, "Hosting the WRC provides several significant advantages, including setting the agenda, guiding discussions, and influencing themes, thereby enabling the host country to exert substantial 'soft' influence over global telecommunications standards and policies. China’s role as host thus raises concerns about potential impacts on U.S. leadership in innovation and open, secure communications. This, combined with the threat of espionage against government officials and participants, raises significant data security and national security concerns."
In response to this threat, the members urged, "We must use every tool at our disposal to counter China’s influence and ensure the United States remains at the forefront of global telecommunications leadership."
Read more about the letter in The Blaze HEREor by clicking the image below.
Background:
The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC)is a major international event organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), typically held every three to four years, where countries come together to agree on how the world’s radio frequencies are used.
The WRC reviews and, if necessary, revises the international treaty known as the Radio Regulations, which governs the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits globally.
The WRC’s decisions shape how people, businesses, and governments around the world communicate through wireless technologies—affecting cell phones, airplanes, ships, satellites, emergency services, and nearly everyone who uses wireless devices. The ITU announced on June 27, 2025, that China will host the WRC in Shanghai in 2027.
