ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

Establishment of the China Censorship Monitor and Action Group

This memorandum establishes the China Censorship Monitor and Action Group, an interagency task force led by the National Security Advisor and National Economic Council Director to monitor and counter PRC censorship or intimidation of U.S. persons exercising free speech. The task force must produce an integrated federal strategy and annual reports on these efforts, with membership spanning 12+ agencies including State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, Commerce, DHS, and intelligence agencies.

Federal Register Open PDF 89 FR 102665

Impact dates

  1. Follow-on annual reports due, recurring every year until section 5515(d) termination

  2. Task Force submits first annual report to President, Congress, and public release

  3. Task Force submits integrated federal strategy to President and congressional committees

Key directives

  • Establish China Censorship Monitor and Action Group within EOP
  • Develop integrated Federal Government strategy to monitor and address PRC censorship/intimidation of U.S. persons
  • Task Force shall meet not less than twice per year
  • Submit strategy to President and congressional committees within 120 days
  • Submit first annual report and make publicly available within 180 days
  • Submit follow-on annual reports every year until statutory termination

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Task Force establishment within Executive Office of the President
  • Agency heads must designate Assistant Secretary-level representatives

Near term (90d)

  • Integrated federal strategy due to President and Congress by April 11, 2025 (120 days)

Long term

  • First annual report due June 10, 2025 (180 days)
  • Recurring annual reports due annually thereafter until statutory termination

Risks & tensions

  • Potential overlap with existing interagency mechanisms on China policy; coordination challenges across 12+ agencies
  • Public release 'to the extent consistent with national security' creates uncertainty about transparency
  • Statutory basis (FY2023 NDAA) suggests bipartisan origin but implementation may face partisan framing
  • Definition of 'United States person' incorporates statutory language; scope unclear without reading 22 U.S.C. 3363(a)(3)
  • Subject to availability of appropriations may limit operational capacity if unfunded
Presidential Memorandum: Establishment of the China Censorship Monitor and Action Group · Executive Orders