New Efforts to Block Land Purchases Near US Military Bases
Three years back, a flaw in US regulations allowed the Chinese to almost secure land near military installations, notably close to Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota.
Currently, Senate Republicans are advocating for a new bill, the “Protect Our Bases Act.” This legislation aims to close that loophole and stop Chinese individuals from acquiring land near key US facilities.
Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC), who is introducing the bill, expressed concerns, stating, “The Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to penetrate all aspects of US national security demand vigilance from our national security agency.”
He added, “This law will enhance the review processes for foreign real estate transactions near critical national security sites and provide CFIUS with the necessary information to safeguard our homeland.”
Joining Scott on this initiative are several lawmakers, including Mike Krapo (R-Idaho), Mike Round (R-SD), Tom Tillis (R-NC), and others.
This move follows recent military actions involving Ukraine, where drones targeted Russian territory, raising alarms about potential vulnerabilities that military bases may have to similar attacks. Given China’s prominent role in drone manufacturing, this is a pressing issue.
The US already has mechanisms in place to prevent Chinese land acquisitions near crucial military bases. However, a significant lapse occurred in 2022 when Fufeng Group, a Chinese company, attempted to buy land near Grand Forks.
Typically, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) examines foreign transactions and advises on bans. Yet, at that time, CFIUS found itself unable to confirm the Fufeng Group’s purchase because the Department of Defense had not classified the base as a critical security location.
Although the city of Grand Forks ultimately halted the purchase, this incident highlighted deficiencies in US protocols regarding foreign land acquisitions.
The Protect Our Bases Act aims to rectify these issues by mandating that CFIUS annually updates information on military facilities needing confidentiality and submits a report to Congress each year.
Furthermore, the legislation seeks to allow CFIUS greater access to important records relevant to national security evaluations.
