CCP billionaire acquires 200K acres of US farmland in secrecy
Chinese Communist Party Member Secretly Buys 198,000 Acres of U.S. Farmland
In a shocking revelation this week, it has come to light that a member of the Chinese Communist Party made a secret purchase of 198,000 acres of U.S. farmland back in 2015. Chen Tianqiao, co-founder of Shanda Interactive Entertainment, acquired the land in Oregon for $85 million, paying approximately $430 per acre. This alarming news was reported by Land Report magazine and the New York Post.
“In 2015, Tianqiao Chen acquired nearly 200,000 acres of former Crown Pacific timberlands in Oregon from Fidelity National Financial Ventures for $85 million ($430 per acre),” the magazine stated. “Chen did so via the investment vehicle Whitefish Cascade Forest Resources LLC. In December 2023, Oregon tax records revealed that the 198,000-acre block was currently owned by Shanda Asset Management LLC.”
Interestingly, Chen’s purchase does not appear in government records of land ownership by foreign investors, as reported by the Daily Mail. This raises concerns about the extent of foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, especially considering that the Department of Agriculture estimated Chinese entities to own around 400,000 acres, equivalent to over $2 billion dollars. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are alarmed by this increasing trend, particularly due to China’s growing adversarial stance towards the U.S.
It is worth noting that the 400,000 acre estimate is likely much lower than the actual number, partly due to an outdated paper-based reporting system for foreign-owned land. Additionally, properties under 10 acres and leased land are not required to be reported.
Democrat Sen. Tammy Baldwin expressed concerns about the lack of comprehensive information and auditing at both the state and federal level, stating, “Right now, we don’t know the full extent of the risk at hand.”
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik criticized the Biden administration for failing to address the issue of foreign adversaries acquiring American farmland. She emphasized the potential threats posed by Communist China’s land purchases, including subverting sovereignty, undermining the agriculture industry, encroaching on military installations, and disrupting rural communities.
As this shocking land purchase comes to light, U.S. politicians are also raising concerns about the influx of tens of thousands of Chinese nationals attempting to cross the southern border in the past 11 months. Law enforcement has reportedly stopped around 31,000 Chinese nationals, a significant increase compared to the previous decade’s average of 1,500. Many of these individuals claim to be fleeing the oppressive communist regime in search of freedom.
Related: ‘This Is Not Normal’: Tens Of Thousands Of Chinese Nationals Cross Border Illegally In Matter Of Months
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What potential loopholes in the regulatory system have allowed foreign investors, especially those with political affiliations, to secretly acquire large amounts of U.S. farmland?
Aises concerns about potential loopholes in the regulatory system that allow foreign investors, especially those with political affiliations, to secretly acquire large amounts of U.S. farmland.
The acquisition of such a large area of farmland by a member of the Chinese Communist Party is particularly concerning due to the Chinese government’s history of influence and control over its corporations and citizens. This raises questions about the intentions behind the purchase and the potential implications for the U.S. agricultural industry and national security.
Farmland is a crucial strategic asset, and its ownership plays a significant role in a country’s food security and economic stability. The United States has always taken great care in protecting its agricultural sector and preventing foreign entities from exerting undue influence. However, this secret purchase by a Chinese Communist Party member raises serious red flags.
Given the way the purchase was executed, it is evident that measures need to be strengthened to ensure greater transparency in land transactions, particularly those involving foreign investors. The fact that this purchase went unnoticed for several years is a cause for concern as it exposes vulnerabilities and potential weaknesses in the regulatory framework.
This revelation also highlights the need for stricter regulations and more robust oversight mechanisms to prevent foreign entities, especially those with political connections, from acquiring critical assets such as farmland. The government must prioritize national interest and security when it comes to the ownership and control of strategic resources.
Furthermore, the lack of disclosure in government records regarding foreign ownership of U.S. farmland is particularly troubling. It is vital to have a comprehensive and up-to-date database that tracks all land ownership, especially when foreign entities are involved. This information is crucial for effective policy-making, ensuring national security, and protecting the interests of domestic farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole.
The acquisition of U.S. farmland by a member of the Chinese Communist Party is not an isolated incident. There have been increasing concerns about foreign entities, particularly those backed by governments, purchasing agricultural land around the world. Such investments can have far-reaching economic, political, and environmental consequences, and therefore, appropriate safeguards must be implemented.
In conclusion, the secret purchase of 198,000 acres of U.S. farmland by a Chinese Communist Party member raises significant concerns about the transparency, regulation, and oversight of foreign land transactions. It underscores the need for stronger regulations, improved tracking mechanisms, and enhanced scrutiny of foreign investments, particularly in strategic sectors such as agriculture. Safeguarding national interests and security should always be the top priority when it comes to the ownership and control of critical assets like farmland.
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