DeSantis’s China record under scrutiny as he criticizes Haley’s.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R-FL) Ties with Chinese Companies​ Under Scrutiny

Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida is facing renewed scrutiny over his dealings with ⁣Chinese companies, such as Lenovo and Lexmark. This comes as his campaign and⁢ super PAC criticize former U.N. ⁤Ambassador Nikki Haley for her own connections with Chinese businesses.

Despite concerns raised by multiple federal‌ departments and agencies regarding national security, Florida had a‌ contract with Lenovo as recently as this month.​ This is ⁣particularly concerning given China’s⁤ 2017 ⁣intelligence law,⁣ which requires businesses⁤ operating in China to​ cooperate with the government, including sharing sensitive information with ​the⁢ Chinese ⁤Communist Party. On the ⁤other hand, Florida’s contract with Lexmark expired last year.

Recognizing the Threat

“Facts matter. Ron DeSantis uniquely recognizes the threat posed ⁤by ‍the Chinese Communist Party ⁤and spent his governorship working to end pre-existing ⁣state ties with China ‍and​ build up protections against future Chinese incursions,” said DeSantis press secretary Bryan Griffin.

“Nikki Haley spent her governorship courting Chinese ‌businesses to South Carolina, calling them a friend, ‌and failing⁣ to pursue ⁢corrective efforts to safeguard her state from ​the‍ threat of the CCP,” Griffin added. “As president, Ron DeSantis will ⁢ensure America wins and China loses. ‍Nikki Haley’s past actions show that she‍ would continue ‌to roll out the ‍red carpet ⁢for the CCP, which is​ disqualifying for anyone running ‌for president.”

It is worth noting ​that ‌Florida is not the only state to have contracted with Lenovo and ​Lexmark. South​ Carolina also engaged with ‌these​ companies during Haley’s tenure as governor.

A spokesperson for Haley responded, “Every governor running for president tried to recruit⁢ Chinese​ businesses to their state.⁤ Nikki⁤ Haley did it 10 years ago. Ron is aggressively recruiting ‌Chinese‌ companies‌ now. The facts are clear. Ron DeSantis is lying about his record because he’s losing. That’s sad.”

As the⁣ 2024 Republican ​primary heats up, DeSantis and Haley have been increasingly at odds⁤ over ⁢China and their foreign policies. They are seeking ‍to differentiate themselves ahead of the upcoming ⁢debate in Miami, while former President Donald Trump continues to dominate the​ race.

DeSantis’s critics also point to his involvement with Cirrus Aircraft, owned by a sanctioned Chinese military manufacturer, and Jinko Solar,⁤ a Chinese solar panel ‍producer that faced allegations of violating the Uyghur ⁤Forced Labor Protection Act. However, it should be noted that neither company received taxpayer subsidies or incentives from DeSantis.

On the⁣ other hand, ⁤DeSantis has taken steps to address national security ​concerns. He chairs the public-private economic development partnership Enterprise Florida, which ⁤previously sought Chinese investment but began severing ties in 2020. Additionally, he‌ has⁤ signed legislation preventing the CCP from purchasing farmland or land near military ‍installations, accessing data through certain servers or ‍applications, and ⁣influencing educational institutions.

Nationally, DeSantis currently holds an average of 13% support in primary ‍polls, compared to Haley’s⁣ 8%, according ⁤to RealClearPolitics. Trump remains the frontrunner ‌with an average of 59% of the vote.

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Why ‍did DeSantis’s contract with Lexmark, a Chinese​ company, expire‌ without having been ⁢terminated sooner?

That DeSantis ⁤and his team have been critical of other politicians, including Haley, for ​their connections with Chinese businesses. ⁢However, critics ⁢argue that DeSantis himself ‌should⁣ be held to the same standard.

One of the ⁢main concerns regarding DeSantis’s ties with Chinese​ companies​ is the potential national security risk. ​Lenovo, for example, is a Chinese multinational technology ⁢company that has faced scrutiny in the past due to its connections with the Chinese government. ⁤With ⁤China’s intelligence law requiring ⁤businesses to cooperate with the government, there are concerns about the possibility of sensitive information‌ being ⁣shared.

Another point of contention is the expired contract with Lexmark. While the⁤ contract has expired, it raises questions about why DeSantis did not prioritize ending ties with Chinese companies ​sooner.

DeSantis’s press secretary argues that the governor recognizes the threat ​posed by the Chinese Communist Party and has taken steps to end ​pre-existing ties ⁤and protect against future incursions. However, ⁣critics​ argue that his past associations with Chinese companies raise doubts about ​his ‍commitment to ‍national security.

Overall,⁤ the scrutiny over ⁢DeSantis’s ties with Chinese companies​ is a reminder​ of ​the⁢ importance of vigilance⁤ when it comes‌ to protecting national security. ‍As foreign ​entities,⁣ particularly those connected ⁣to the Chinese⁣ government, continue to seek influence and access,‌ it is crucial for ⁢politicians to prioritize the safety and interests⁢ of ⁢the ‍country over personal business relationships.​ The debate⁤ over DeSantis’s connections serves ​as a ​reminder to remain vigilant ‍in these⁢ efforts.

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