Smithfield Foods, America’s largest pork producer, is intricately linked to China’s military food supply chain. Owned by WH Group, which is closely connected to Shuanghui Investment and Development Co., Smithfield has been channeling vast quantities of pork to its parent and sister companies in China. This arrangement raises significant concerns about the integrity of America’s food security and the ethical implications of supporting a foreign military, especially one that is part of a regime as adversarial as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Shuanghui’s deep ties with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are no secret, proudly displayed on its website, boasting its role in developing and stockpiling food for China’s military use. This relationship is further solidified by Shuanghui’s operation of a food mobilization center in Henan province, dedicated to the PLA’s emergency response needs. Reports indicate that Shuanghui has been actively distributing food from this stockpile to Chinese soldiers in recent years, a move that potentially diverts high-quality U.S. pork products directly to the PLA.
The 2013 acquisition of Smithfield by WH Group, which is led by CCP members, was a strategic move to satiate China’s growing demand for pork by leveraging high-quality U.S. meat products. The exponential increase in Smithfield’s pork exports to China since the acquisition is a testament to the growing influence of Chinese interests over American agricultural assets. This influence extends beyond mere business transactions, implicating national security and sovereignty issues as American agricultural produce is potentially being used to bolster the capabilities of a foreign military.
The scenario presents a clear and present danger to U.S. interests, emphasizing the urgent need for stringent regulatory oversight and policy reforms. Allowing a foreign power, especially one with the global ambitions and authoritarian nature of the CCP, to control significant portions of the American food supply chain poses a direct threat to the nation’s food security and overall safety. The case of Smithfield and Shuanghui is a stark reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in global trade, particularly when it intersects with national security concerns.
The U.S. must reassess its approach to foreign acquisitions of critical infrastructure and resources, particularly in the agricultural sector. Strengthening the regulatory framework to prevent foreign entities, especially those affiliated with adversarial governments, from gaining control over vital American industries is paramount. Additionally, fostering domestic production and reducing dependency on foreign supply chains for essential goods is crucial for safeguarding national security and ensuring the well-being of the American populace.
This investigation sheds light on a troubling aspect of global commerce, where the lines between business and strategic geopolitical interests blur. As the U.S. navigates its complex relationship with China, it must remain vigilant about protecting its agricultural assets and ensuring that American produce does not inadvertently bolster the capabilities of an adversary.
