The alarming expansion of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) influence into America’s agricultural sector is a red flag for national security. Recently, a Daily Caller News Foundation review revealed that top executives and the chairman of WH Group Limited, the world’s largest pork producer, are CCP members with deep connections to the Chinese government. This is particularly concerning considering WH Group’s control over Smithfield Foods, which holds a substantial stake in U.S. farmland.
Smithfield Foods, a traditionally family-run business established in 1936, was acquired by WH Group for $7.1 billion in 2013. This purchase handed WH Group control of nearly 150,000 acres of land across 29 states in America. However, Smithfield’s website and public communications obscure the firm’s ties to China and WH Group, indicating a deliberate attempt to downplay their connections to Asia.
The CCP’s infiltration into American agriculture isn’t a standalone issue. It’s part of a broader strategy to exert control over crucial sectors in the United States. GOP lawmakers are rightly concerned and pushing for bans on Chinese rural land purchases, especially those near U.S. military bases. The proximity of WH Group-controlled land to significant military installations only amplifies these concerns.
Former Defense Intelligence Agency officer Matt Shoemaker’s comments underscore the gravity of the situation. Shoemaker emphasizes that joining the CCP isn’t a trivial matter but indicates a deep alignment with the Party’s ideology and objectives. This raises questions about the intentions and loyalties of WH Group’s executives and their influence over American food resources.
The situation in Kansas, where Republican officials are moving to block a Chinese company’s manufacturing plant, parallels the WH Group case. It reflects a growing awareness and pushback against Chinese encroachment in U.S. industries.
States like Florida and Missouri have taken steps to ban Chinese ownership of farmland, particularly near military bases. This proactive approach is crucial in safeguarding national interests. The federal government, specifically the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which approved WH Group’s acquisition of Smithfield, needs to reassess its criteria and prioritize national security over economic interests.
WH Group’s corporate structure, laced with CCP influence, is not just a business concern; it’s a national security threat. As the U.S.-China relationship continues to strain, it’s imperative to scrutinize and limit CCP-controlled entities’ access to critical American industries. The Republican push for legislative and executive action to curb these risks is a step in the right direction, highlighting the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect America’s agricultural sector and overall national security.
