In Kansas, the alarm bells are ringing loud and clear. The state’s Republican officials, including Attorney General Kris Kobach, are fiercely opposing the establishment of a $95 million manufacturing plant by Cnano Technology USA Inc. (Cnano USA) in Johnson County, near critical military installations. This opposition stems from deep-seated concerns about the company’s connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Cnano USA, a subsidiary of Cnano Jiangsu Technology Co., Ltd., is not just another foreign investor in the American landscape. It’s a tentacle of a China-based entity, deeply intertwined with the CCP. The Daily Caller News Foundation’s investigation has exposed troubling truths: Cnano Jiangsu is not only staffed with dozens of CCP members but is also a recipient of substantial financial support from the Chinese state for initiatives accused of intellectual property theft, sometimes benefiting the Chinese military.
The strategic location of the proposed facility, alarmingly close to Fort Leavenworth and Whiteman Air Force Base, is a red flag for national security. These are no ordinary military bases; we’re talking about proximity to the B-2 operational base, a cornerstone of America’s air defense.
Kansas House Majority Leader Chris Croft’s stance is clear: The allegations of intellectual property theft linked to Cnano are serious and warrant a coordinated response at both state and federal levels. Similarly, AG Kobach’s proactive approach, urging the Johnson County Commission to withdraw the incentives offered to Cnano USA, demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding not just Kansas’s interests but the nation’s security.
This isn’t just about a manufacturing plant; it’s about the insidious reach of the CCP through ostensibly commercial ventures. The CCP’s United Front Work Department’s involvement with Cnano Jiangsu is particularly troubling, given its role in blending engagement, influence activities, and intelligence operations to advance China’s strategic objectives.
The decision by Johnson County officials to offer a significant tax break to Cnano USA is now under scrutiny, and rightly so. The risks posed by allowing a CCP-linked entity to establish itself so close to critical national defense assets cannot be understated.
Republican Representative Jake LaTurner’s call for a Biden administration investigation into Cnano USA’s CCP ties is a step in the right direction. It’s a move that not only addresses immediate security concerns but also sends a strong message: The United States must be vigilant in protecting its technological and military secrets from foreign powers, especially those with a track record of intellectual property theft and espionage.
In this high-stakes game of national security, Kansas Republicans are leading the charge, showing that vigilance and action are needed to counter the CCP’s creeping influence. The Cnano case is a wake-up call, a reminder that economic opportunities must be weighed against potential risks to our national security and sovereignty.
