Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently announced a series of legislative measures to strengthen Arkansas’ defense against infiltration and influence by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The Communist China Defense legislative package contains six bills that seek to target areas the CCP might use to infiltrate the US, such as through business, land acquisition and technology. By further tightening legal regulations, the bills would ensure that Arkansas’ security and economy are free from CCP influence.
This move aligns with a growing trend among US states in recent years to strengthen their own defenses against Chinese influence — in particular, reviews of key industries and land ownership, as well as collaboration with academic institutions, have become more stringent.
Some states have banned Chinese citizens or companies from purchasing agricultural land to prevent the CCP from using agricultural resources to gain control over the US food supply chain.
Many state governments have also increased scrutiny of tech companies with ties to China to prevent data leaks or cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.
The Arkansas legislation would not only directly counter CCP infiltration attempts, but also symbolizes that US states are adopting measures to protect their own interests independent of federal action. It also highlights that the CCP’s long-standing strategy of expanding its influence through economic and technological means has triggered increased vigilance and the implementation of countermeasures within the US.
It is worth watching to see whether Arkansas’ new legislation package becomes a model for other states to follow.
Elliot Yao is a reviewer.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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