China’s influence targeted on multiple fronts by new slate of bills
Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma has recently introduced a set of bills aimed at curbing Chinese influence in the United States. These bills, if passed, could lead to a crackdown on China’s activities in various sectors, including farmland acquisition, predatory investments, and connections to U.S. educational institutions.
Lankford emphasized the need to address China’s aggressive behavior, stating that the country continues to buy American farmland, steal patents, and promote its authoritarian worldview. He stressed the importance of upholding American values and maintaining economic and military strength to ensure global freedom and democracy.
The first bill, called the Countering Adversarial and Malicious Partnerships at Universities and Schools Act (CAMPUS), seeks to prevent joint research between U.S. universities and Chinese institutions with military ties. It also aims to restrict federal funding to schools that collaborate with such entities.
The second bill, known as the Belt & Road Oversight Act, focuses on monitoring China’s predatory lending practices and countering economic coercion. The legislation proposes the establishment of officers at U.S. embassies worldwide to track Chinese investments in critical infrastructure.
The third bill, the Security and Oversight of International Landholdings (SOIL) Act, aims to scrutinize foreign purchases of U.S. agricultural land that could pose national security risks. It prohibits federal assistance for certain real estate holdings owned by foreign entities and expands disclosure requirements for land acquisitions by such entities.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee has co-sponsored both the CAMPUS and SOIL Acts, demonstrating bipartisan support for measures to address Chinese influence in the U.S.
These bills come in the wake of China’s recent nuclear talks with Russia and Iran, where discussions centered on nuclear issues and sanctions. President Trump downplayed the significance of the meeting, suggesting that adversaries could be discussing de-escalation of nuclear weapons.
As these bills move through the legislative process, the U.S. government is taking proactive steps to counter China’s influence and protect national interests. The proposed measures signal a strong stance against Chinese aggression and underscore America’s commitment to safeguarding its values and economic prosperity.
