China's growing influence in the United States could soon face significant pushback as a trio of new bills aims to tighten the reins on Beijing's reach into American soil, investments, and institutions. These measures, introduced by Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, squarely target China's acquisition of U.S. farmland, its economic maneuvers, and its relationships with American education systems. Bold move? Definitely.

"China continues to buy up American farmland, steal our patents, and expand their authoritarian worldview," Lankford stated to Fox News Digital. He emphasized that the U.S. must stand as a beacon of liberty and strength, signaling to China that America's commitment to freedom is unwavering. That’s a mic drop moment if there ever was one.

The legislative package includes the Countering Adversarial and Malicious Partnerships at Universities and Schools Act (CAMPUS), which would block federal funding for any U.S. educational institution collaborating with Chinese entities tied to its military. It also prohibits joint research between such schools. This bill screams, "Hands off our chalkboards, Beijing!"

Another proposal, the Belt & Road Oversight Act, is designed to keep tabs on China’s notoriously predatory lending practices and economic coercion abroad. Under this measure, U.S. embassies worldwide would appoint officers to track China's investments in critical infrastructure. In other words, keeping an eye on who’s signing checks and where they’re landing.

The third bill, the Security and Oversight of International Landholdings (SOIL) Act, takes aim at foreign purchases of U.S. agricultural land. This legislation would ban federal assistance to certain real estate holdings owned by foreign entities and require stricter disclosure of land purchases. With American farmland increasingly in foreign hands, this bill practically screams, "Not on our turf!"

Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee co-sponsored both the CAMPUS and SOIL Acts, underscoring the bipartisan concern over China's encroaching influence.

These bills come amid growing tensions, as China recently hosted nuclear talks with Russia and Iran in Beijing. While Iran claimed the discussions centered on "nuclear developments and lifting of sanctions," the timing isn’t exactly comforting. President Trump, however, downplayed the significance of these talks earlier this week, suggesting they might even touch on de-escalation. Optimistic, much?

With these legislative measures, the U.S. government seems ready to send a clear message: The days of turning a blind eye to China's creeping influence are over. Whether these bills pass or not, they highlight a growing resolve to counter Beijing’s expansive ambitions.

China Relations News

China's US Influence Could Face Crackdown Under Slate of New Bills