In a startling turn of events, Ukraine launched a sudden drone assault on Russian installations, which has reignited discussions about the United States’ own vulnerabilities. Regardless of the U.S. stance on Kyiv’s actions, the attack has illuminated significant concerns regarding national security. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of Chinese Communist Party-linked entities acquiring land around the U.S., particularly near sensitive military installations such as the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota.
The purchase of 300 acres of farmland by the Fufeng Group in 2021 first raised alarms in Congress about these covert transactions. The growing apprehension prompted swift action from state leaders, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who quickly implemented a ban on similar acquisitions in his state. On Tuesday, North Dakota’s senators echoed the call for vigilance against any malign activities, highlighting both novel drone assaults and the potential for espionage through real estate transactions.
Experts warn that Ukraine’s surprise attack signals that it may take a "major drone strike" to shift U.S. defense policy. Republican Senator Kevin Cramer emphasized to Fox News Digital that allowing adversaries access to land, universities, and military installations significantly increases the likelihood of nefarious activities. "Our posture must always be vigilant, never assuming foreign actors are benign or have the best intentions," Cramer stated, underlining the risks associated with foreign access to sites of national interest.
Senator John Hoeven, Cramer’s counterpart from North Dakota, has initiated efforts to curb foreign land purchases and has collaborated with federal partners to enhance the review process for foreign investments. "We need to remain vigilant against China and other adversaries," Hoeven stated, as he co-sponsors a bill introduced by South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds. This legislation aims to prohibit individuals and entities controlled by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing farmland or commercial properties near sensitive federal sites.
As part of their strategy, legislators are also working to refine the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) process, which governs federal approval of foreign investments. Hoeven highlighted the importance of ensuring thorough reviews are conducted to protect national interests. Furthermore, he noted that efforts are underway to develop technology designed to safeguard U.S. military bases against potential drone threats.
Senator Rounds’ bill has garnered bipartisan support, including backing from Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto of Nevada, whose state is home to sensitive military sites like Nellis Air Force Base and Area 51. Cortez-Masto remarked, "It is common sense that we should not allow our foreign adversaries to buy agricultural land next to these locations," reinforcing the urgency of the situation.
In a statement, Rounds expressed concern that America's near-peer adversaries are continually seeking opportunities to surveil the nation's capabilities and resources. This sentiment resonates with various private-sector organizations, including the South Dakota Soybean Association, which advocates for protecting farmland from foreign purchases due to agricultural and national security considerations.
The recent drone assault by Ukraine serves as a wake-up call for the United States, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant against foreign incursions. As legislators push for stricter regulations on foreign land ownership and investment, the focus remains on safeguarding national security and ensuring that adversaries do not exploit vulnerabilities within the U.S.
