Chinese and Russian companies are no longer allowed to purchase land near U.S. military bases in Missouri, based on an order enacted by the state’s governor January 3.
According to the Associated Press, Republican Governor Mike Parson’s executive order prohibits companies and citizens from countries deemed threatening by the federal government from purchasing farms or other types of land within ten miles of staffed military sites in the state. The federal government has labeled Iran, Cuba, China, North Korea, Russia and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as foreign competitors.
Parson said that he believes his action goes as far as executive orders will legally allow and that he will be watching to see if lawmakers pass any legislation on the issue by the mid-May end of session.
“While we have had no issues at this point, we want to be proactive against any potential threats,” Parson said, adding that foreign entities do not currently own any land within ten miles of Missourian military sites.
Missouri Senator Caleb Rowden backed Parson’s order, saying that passing such a law was a top priority for the session that began January 3.
Foreign individuals and entities currently control less than 2% of all U.S. land, with China making up less than 1% of that, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Canadian investors own the biggest portion of foreign-held land.
