China could use U.S. farmland to attack America
5 months ago
- #Foreign Land Ownership
- #Cryptocurrency Mining
- #National Security
- Chinese entities acquiring U.S. farmland near military bases raise national security concerns about espionage or attacks.
- Former official David Feith warns technology allows hostile actors to exploit land access for intelligence or military damage.
- Examples include Ukraine's drone attacks in Russia, showing how land ownership could provide operating room for strikes.
- North Dakota blocked a Chinese corn mill near an Air Force base, reflecting fears despite denials from the company.
- Foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land has increased by 70% in a decade, with Chinese owning under 1% (277,336 acres).
- 29 states limit or ban foreign farmland purchases, and the Trump administration plans stricter transparency and penalties.
- Chinese-backed cryptocurrency mines in the U.S. pose risks for intelligence collection or grid sabotage due to high power usage.
- Biden ordered a Chinese firm to sell property and dismantle a crypto mine near a Wyoming Air Force base over security concerns.
- Chinese law mandates companies cooperate with the government, making independence claims insufficient for U.S.-based Chinese firms.
- U.S. officials believe China is preparing to potentially fight and defeat the U.S. military, heightening risks from these investments.