From Desert Sands to Foreign Hands

Arizona's Battle Against CCP Land Ownership

Oh, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into an issue that's as thorny as a saguaro cactus under the blazing Arizona sun. Living here for over 15 years, I've come to cherish our sprawling deserts, majestic canyons, and the rugged independence that defines the spirit of Arizona. So, you can imagine the stir in my soul when I learned about the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) buying up farmland in our beloved state. Let's peel back the layers of this sun-baked onion and see what's really going on.

First off, the scale. It's not just a patch of desert here and there; we're talking about significant acreage. Reports have varied, but one of the more eyebrow-raising purchases involved a Chinese company, tied to the CCP, buying a whopping 9,000 acres in Val Verde County, which is actually in Texas, but it illustrates the broader concern that resonates with us Arizonans too. In Arizona, specifically, a Chinese firm bought farmland for a dairy operation in 2013, which raised some eyebrows due to its size and the strategic interest behind it. The specifics of "how much" land overall can be murky due to the opacity of such deals and the involvement of various corporate entities. However, the trend is clear: there's a strategic move by Chinese entities to own American soil, and Arizona hasn't been immune to it.

A Closer Look at Strategic Locations

Amidst the growing concern over land acquisitions, one detail stands out as particularly alarming: many of these lands, not just in Arizona but across the United States, are positioned near strategic US military bases. This isn't a random pattern but a calculated strategy, raising the stakes from economic and food security to national defense.

The proximity of foreign-owned land to our military installations poses a myriad of risks, from surveillance and espionage to the potential for disrupting operations in times of conflict. The thought that land under foreign control could be used as a vantage point or even as leverage against the United States adds a chilling dimension to the discussion. It underscores the need for a nuanced approach to foreign land ownership, one that considers not just the economic impacts but the broader implications for national security.

Now, why do they own it? On the surface, these purchases often get wrapped in the innocuous guise of agricultural development. For instance, in Arizona, the interest has been partly in supporting dairy operations or in securing land for potential future uses that align with Chinese interests, such as mining or even as leverage in broader geopolitical maneuvering. The underlying motivations can be multifaceted, ranging from securing food supply chains to gaining a foothold in strategic locations within the U.S.

Why is it bad for US interests? Well, imagine inviting someone into your home, only to find they've started locking doors and restricting your access. It's a matter of sovereignty and security. Foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, especially by a government that plays by a very different set of rules, like the CCP, raises several red flags:

• National Security: Land near military bases or critical infrastructure could provide surveillance opportunities.

• Food Security: Control over significant agricultural resources could be leveraged in times of conflict or trade tensions.

• Economic Influence: Ownership of key assets gives foreign entities undue leverage in local economies and, by extension, national policy.

And here's the kicker: try flipping the script, and you'll hit a Great Wall. The idea of U.S. citizens or the government buying land in China? That's a no-fly zone. China has strict laws preventing foreign ownership of its land, safeguarding its sovereignty and control over its own resources. This asymmetry isn't just a quirk; it's a strategic maneuver ensuring China holds the reins, both domestically and in places as far-flung as Arizona.

So, what's at stake is not just a plot of land here and there; it's the very essence of our independence and security. It's about ensuring that the land that makes up the heart of America remains in hands that have America's best interests at heart. The thought of CCP tendrils extending into the soil of the Grand Canyon State, or any state for that matter, sends shivers down my spine. It's a matter of principle, sovereignty, and security. And it's a call to action for policymakers to scrutinize and potentially curb such acquisitions to safeguard our national interest.

As an Arizonan, witnessing this trend is like watching a slow-moving storm cloud over the desert; you know it's bringing trouble, and it goes against the very grain of our state's fiercely independent spirit. It's high time we take a stand, ensuring our land remains ours, safeguarded for future generations to cherish and steward. After all, Arizona's vast landscapes aren't just parcels of real estate to be bartered on the international market; they're the soul of our state, embodying the wild, untamed spirit that defines us.