Farmland in Illinois, USA [사진 = AFP 연합뉴스]
It was found that 15 states, including Texas and Florida, restricted land purchases by Chinese people and Chinese companies last year. About 20 other states are also pursuing legislation to block land purchases by foreigners from so-called “countries of concern,” including China. Once the legislation is finalized, more than two-thirds of the 50 states in the United States are expected to join the sanctions within the year.
The biggest reason for banning China from purchasing land in the U.S. mainland is because of ‘security threats.’ According to the political media Politico on the 3rd (local time), state governments dominated by the Republican Party are enacting laws to restrict or prohibit foreigners from owning land. Following 15 states last year, 20 states are preparing to block foreign land ownership this year. This law applies not only to China but also to countries of concern, including Russia, North Korea, Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba.
U.S. states are strengthening checks on China in key infrastructure such as airports, ports, and military bases following the incident of a Chinese reconnaissance balloon crossing the U.S. mainland in February last year. State governments are concerned that Chinese people and Chinese companies may purchase land around U.S. military bases, carry out spy activities, and own large amounts of farmland, which could disrupt food supply. Additionally, state governments believe that the federal government’s Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS) alone will not be able to sufficiently resolve security concerns about Chinese mergers and acquisitions of American companies and land purchases.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Norm, who is mentioned as Trump’s vice presidential candidate, described China as an enemy at a House Agriculture Committee hearing last month and said, “They are buying up our entire food supply chain, and if the United States is not self-sufficient in food and relies on other countries, it will be a problem.” “It becomes a national security issue,” he emphasized. Last month, Governor Nome signed a law banning the purchase of farmland in South Dakota from six countries, including China.
However, some point out that the state government is overreacting without any basis. According to 2021 Department of Agriculture statistics, only 3.1% of U.S. farmland is owned by foreigners. By nationality, compared to the land ownership of Canadians (0.97%) and Dutch nationals (0.37%), Chinese accounts for only 0.03%.
Regarding restrictions on Chinese land purchases, the Chinese Embassy in the United States criticized, “If the concept of national security is defined too broadly and political, trade, and investment issues are politicized, international trust in the U.S. market environment will weaken.”
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2024-04-04 11:53:52
