US States Consider Restrictions on Chinese Investments in Land

State legislators are currently working on legislation to restrict Chinese citizens and companies from purchasing land in the United States due to national security concerns, as reported by Politico.

Over two-thirds of states have either implemented or are considering laws to limit or prohibit individuals or companies from countries with adversarial relationships with the U.S. from owning American land.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem recently signed a bill preventing China and other nations from buying farmland in the state, describing China as “an enemy” during a hearing with the state House Committee on Agriculture.

“They are acquiring our entire food supply chain. When America becomes dependent on another country for food, it presents a national security risk,” stated the Republican governor.

Congressman Mike Gallagher, who chairs the House Select Committee on China, emphasized the importance of states in the new Cold War with the Chinese Communist Party, citing Chinese acquisitions of agricultural land and attempts to influence local politics.

Some Republican lawmakers have criticized the effectiveness of the Treasury Department’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. in preventing national security threats posed by foreign purchases.

“The current CFIUS process is essentially a formality. It is dysfunctional, much like the broader federal government,” remarked Texas Republican state Senator Tan Parker.

Arkansas GOP Attorney General Tim Griffin expressed concerns about foreign adversaries, particularly China, acquiring U.S. real estate and critical technology, calling for stronger federal action to address the issue.

A Treasury spokesperson reassured that CFIUS is committed to protecting U.S. national security by taking appropriate actions within its jurisdiction.