China is the biggest trading partner for most countries and that rule is no exception for the United States. However, in a contradictory way, it is also America’s biggest rival in a number of sectors. As a result of this dichotomy, a study from the US government regarding land purchases by Chinese investors has been conducted.
Reportedly, Chinese investors have been purchasing land and investing in the food industry of the United States for years. Even though the total amount of these investments represent a very small fraction of the overall purchased land, the government still fears that China might be taking advantage of the economic deals to obtain firsthand information and control.
In concordance with the United States Department of Agriculture, the Chinese investors have increased their agricultural land purchasing, and they are more than 1,500 square kilometers in 2021. According to the study, the ownership of these acquisitions can be attributed to individuals, corporations, or even the Chinese government itself.
This situation has caused the American government to question the real intentions behind these investments. In spite of the amount of land being relatively small, concerns are still rising as a result of geopolitical and strategic reasons. In this instance, Florida governor and presidential candidate, Ron DeSantis stated earlier this year:
“Today, Florida makes it very clear: We don’t want the (Chinese Communist Party) in the Sunshine State. We want to maintain this as the ‘Free State of Florida.’ That’s exactly what these bills are doing.”
On a similar note, the Chinese company, Fufeng Group, attempted to build a wind turbine near an Air Force base in North Dakota. The project was quickly declined and the building was blocked as the American government suspected espionage activities.
