The risk of foreign adversaries, particularly Chinese entities, purchasing land near essential U.S. facilities has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers. These purchases expose vulnerabilities in national security protocols, particularly concerning sites like Coast Guard facilities and Energy Department labs.
In July, the Treasury Department’s Committee of Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) moved to expand its oversight to 50 military installations. However, this list does not encompass critical locations such as national labs and maritime ports, which remain susceptible to espionage.
Reps. Greg Murphy (R-NC) and John Moolenaar (R-MI) have voiced concerns about these gaps. In a recent letter to the Treasury, they stated, “These loopholes must be closed, and closed quickly.” They highlighted that without these changes, foreign adversaries can exploit U.S. infrastructure.
Chinese firms have acquired significant land in the U.S., with at least 384,000 acres owned, a number that has surged by 30% since 2019. This equates to investments totaling nearly $2 billion, raising alarms about Beijing’s growing influence.
Lawmakers from both parties have recognized the need for stricter regulations, but current CFIUS policies allow prior land purchases to remain unchecked. “Allowing our adversaries to have potential access to these sites poses risks,” Murphy warned.
The absence of CFIUS reviews for purchases near Coast Guard hubs and Energy Department labs provides a dangerous loophole. As tensions with China escalate, lawmakers are calling for comprehensive reviews of foreign land acquisitions to protect U.S. interests.
