"Chinese People, Don't Buy Our Land" Proposed in Texas, USA

Submission of Warning Bill... Targeting China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran
Controversy Over Land Purchase Near Military Base by Chinese National

The state of Texas in the United States is pushing to ban real estate purchases by nationals of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Analysts say the measure is effectively aimed at China.

On the 7th (local time), The New York Times (NYT) reported, "How might U.S.-China tensions affect those trying to buy property next door?" and noted that several U.S. states are recently proposing bills to prohibit land purchases by Chinese nationals and companies.

In particular, in Texas, Republican State Senator Lori Culkerst introduced a "real estate transaction ban" bill to the state legislature, which is supported by Republican Governor Greg Abbott. The bill prohibits governments and residents of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, as well as businesses owned or controlled by them, from purchasing real estate within Texas.

Previously, Texas enacted a law banning foreign companies from owning land near key facilities. However, this new bill expands the restricted areas to the entire state of Texas and includes not only companies but also individuals. While the bill would impact all four countries, the primary motivation behind the legislation appears to be China.

According to the NYT, Chinese companies have been purchasing real estate in security-sensitive areas such as near U.S. military bases, causing controversy. In 2021, a businessman who was a former general in the Chinese People's Liberation Army bought 130,000 acres (526 km²) of land near an Air Force base in Texas, which became a problem.

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas. [Photo by AP Yonhap News]

Recently, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a Chinese company purchased 370 acres (about 1.5 km²) of land near an Air Force base to build a corn mill. Some have claimed that the mill could be used as a means for Chinese espionage activities, and the Air Force has expressed opposition to the construction of the mill.

However, there are voices of opposition since the Chinese immigrant population in Texas reaches 150,000. The Democratic Party argues that banning real estate transactions by Chinese nationals would harm those who have not yet obtained citizenship.

Nonetheless, both the Texas governor and the majority party in the state legislature are Republicans. Senator Culkerst, who introduced the bill, responded to concerns that Chinese immigrants might be harmed by saying, "We can create a provision to exclude those who have obtained permanent residency from the ban."