Requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to produce an updated global map and an unclassified report that identify ports important to U.S. interests and any efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or related entities to build, buy, or control them. It also directs a separate study—allowing use of a federally funded research and development center—assessing how the PRC is expanding influence over strategic ports, identifying vulnerabilities and assisting actors, and recommending actions and authorities to protect U.S. national security and economic interests. Deliverables to Congress must be submitted in unclassified form (with an optional classified annex) and the study report is due within one year.

The law defines key terms, lists which congressional committees and interagency offices are “appropriate” or “relevant,” and sets the process for designating a “strategic port.”