U.S. lawmakers initiate a bipartisan bill to combat Chinese investments in farmland, emphasizing national security. The proposed legislation mandates a review of foreign purchases exceeding 320 acres or $5 million, along with establishing a public database on foreign ownership. Recent increases in Chinese land acquisitions have raised alarms, emphasizing the need for increased transparency and oversight amid growing trade tensions.

Lawmakers from both parties are collaborating to address Chinese investments in agricultural land within the United States, amidst rising tensions attributed to a potential trade war. The urgency stems from the Trump administration’s imposition of tariffs, which Chinese officials have condemned as “arbitrary.” Representative Randy Feenstra, a key advocate of the bill, emphasizes the need to regulate foreign ownership of farmland to protect national interests.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet and Sen. Joni Ernst, mandates scrutiny from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States for purchases of American farmland surpassing either 320 acres or $5 million. Additionally, it aims to create a public database of foreign-owned farmland through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and requires collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security to conduct annual threat assessments on foreign ownership.

McDonald Rivet has expressed concern over foreign entities, particularly China, acquiring substantial portions of farmland, warning that it endangers national security and food supply. Senator Ernst has criticized the current regulatory framework, highlighting its deficiencies in preventing foreign adversaries from exerting influence over American land.

While no foreign nation owns U.S. land outright, the presence of Chinese companies has surged, with significant acquisitions in recent years. Alarmingly, the 2023 proposition by Fufeng Group to acquire land near a military installation in North Dakota was terminated due to security alarms raised by federal authorities. A USDA report noted a 30% increase in Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland between 2019 and 2020, illustrating a trend of growing foreign investment.

Amid these tensions, China has signaled readiness to confront the United States regarding trade practices, openly threatening responsive actions following the latter’s recent tariff increases. Current reports indicate that Chinese-backed entities own 384,000 acres of farmland across the United States, reflecting the critical nature of this legislative initiative in safeguarding agricultural sovereignty.

In conclusion, bipartisan efforts are underway to address the increasing Chinese ownership of farmland in the United States, spurred by national security concerns and potential food supply risks. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a structured review process and enhance transparency regarding foreign investments in agriculture, marking a significant step in protecting American interests. The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China over trade policies continue to highlight the importance of vigilance in monitoring foreign ownership of agricultural resources.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com

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