Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an announcement this week that will ban Chinese companies from purchasing land near military bases in his state.
DeSantis announced the change with several members of the Miami-Dade delegation of the state's legislature.
DeSantis Moves to Prohibit Communist China From Buying Farmland, Land Around Military Bases · The Floridian https://t.co/UnOcZ0Rt6W
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"Gov. DeSantis pointed out that Florida has 21 different military installations around the state that could be targeted by China and other 'countries of concern' like Russia, Cuba, and Venezuela," Floridian Press reported.
"'Prohibit China and other foreign countries of concern from purchasing agricultural land and land surrounding military bases in Florida,' reads a media hand out DeSantis' aides handed out," the report added.
@GovRonDeSantis will look to prevent China from buying up Florida farmland and land surrounding military installations #flpol #flpol pic.twitter.com/WrIEt0qqkS
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The new move comes as reports have noted the increase of Chinese purchases regarding farmland that could pose a risk to national security. The problem has also notably increased since President Joe Biden took office nearly two years ago.
If the move by DeSantis catches on, it could spread to other states adding efforts to limit Chinese purchases near military bases. While the measure could increase some tensions with China, the safety measure is warranted and welcomed by many Americans concerned with the growing presence of Chinese landowners.