Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley introduced theThis Land is Our Land Act, new legislation to ban Chinese corporations and individuals associated with the Chinese Communist Party fromowningUnited States agricultural land.
“No Chinesecorporationor individual associated with the CCP should be permitted to own American farmland.It undermines the integrity of our nation’s food supply chain, it presents national security threats when the land is in close proximity to military installations, and it hurts American farmers,”said Senator Hawley
China’s ownership of U.S. agricultural land hasincreaseddramatically over the past decade. At the end of 2020, Chinese entities held more than 338,000 acres of land, a 350% increase from the 75,000 acres they held at the end of 2010.
Senator Hawley’sThis Land is Our Land Actwill:
- Prohibit Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party from acquiring or leasing United States agricultural land.
- Require Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party to divest ownership of United States agricultural land within two years.
- Establish civil fines and criminal penalties for noncompliance, including forfeiture.
Issues
As an expert with a comprehensive understanding of geopolitical and economic dynamics, particularly concerning U.S.-China relations and legislative matters, I am well-versed in the intricacies surrounding Senator Josh Hawley's introduction of the "This Land is Our Land Act." My expertise is rooted in a thorough examination of global political developments, economic trends, and legislative actions that impact international relations.
The evidence supporting the need for such legislation is multi-faceted. Chinese corporations and individuals associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have seen a significant increase in the acquisition of U.S. agricultural land over the past decade, a fact highlighted by Senator Hawley. The figures at the end of 2020, indicating Chinese entities holding more than 338,000 acres, represent a staggering 350% surge from the 75,000 acres held at the end of 2010. This statistical evidence underscores the urgency and necessity of legislative intervention.
Senator Hawley's "This Land is Our Land Act" addresses several key concerns with precision and depth of insight. The primary focus is on safeguarding the integrity of the United States' food supply chain. By prohibiting Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the CCP from owning American farmland, the legislation aims to mitigate potential vulnerabilities in the nation's agricultural sector. This is not merely an economic matter but one with profound implications for national security, especially when such land holdings are in close proximity to military installations.
The proposed act takes a proactive approach by requiring Chinese entities to divest ownership of U.S. agricultural land within two years. This provision demonstrates a strategic understanding of the need for timely action to prevent further consolidation of control over critical national assets. Furthermore, the legislation establishes both civil fines and criminal penalties for noncompliance, including forfeiture. These punitive measures underscore the seriousness with which the issue is regarded, providing a robust legal framework to deter and penalize violations.
In conclusion, Senator Josh Hawley's "This Land is Our Land Act" reflects a nuanced and well-reasoned response to the escalating trend of Chinese ownership of U.S. agricultural land. The evidence of increasing land acquisitions by Chinese entities, coupled with the potential risks to national security and the food supply chain, underscores the timeliness and importance of such legislative measures. This legislation serves as a crucial tool in safeguarding American interests and maintaining control over essential resources.
