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The Biotech Defense Act focuses on the growing national security concerns related to advancements in biotechnology by foreign adversaries, particularly the People’s Republic of China. It recognizes that China’s rapid progress in areas such as gene-editing, synthetic biology, and dual-use technologies could threaten U.S. military superiority and security. The bill highlights China’s military-civil fusion strategy, which integrates civilian biotech research with military applications, potentially enabling the development of enhanced soldier capabilities and bioweapons. It also notes risks from China’s dominance in global biotechnology supply chains and investments in U.S. biotech firms, which could undermine U.S. innovation and access to critical resources.

To address these concerns, the bill mandates the Secretary of Defense to develop a comprehensive strategy that integrates biotechnology threats into the National Defense Strategy and Defense Planning Guidance. This strategy must assess foreign adversaries’ use of military and dual-use biotechnology, propose countermeasures such as increased U.S. biotech research and supply chain resilience, and promote coordination with allies. The bill also requires a detailed assessment by the Director of National Intelligence on China’s military use of biotechnology, including potential biological weapons development and supply chain control. Additionally, it establishes a Biotechnology Risk Contact Group to monitor foreign investments and partnerships in the U.S. biotech sector, focusing on Chinese entities, to identify and mitigate national security risks.

Overall, the bill aims to strengthen U.S. defense planning against emerging biotechnological threats by enhancing intelligence, interagency coordination, and international cooperation. It seeks to protect sensitive technologies and maintain U.S. military readiness in the face of evolving global biotech capabilities.