Concerns Rise Over Chinese Ownership of GNC Stores on U.S. Military Bases

As Congress debates measures to prevent foreign entities from acquiring land near U.S. military facilities, a fresh discussion has emerged regarding the presence of Chinese ownership within military installations. Representative Pat Harrigan, a freshman Republican from North Carolina, has spotlighted the implications of Chinese Communist Party involvement through GNC, a national nutrition retail chain.

This week, Harrigan introduced the Military Installation Retail Security Act of 2025. This proposed legislation aims to bar companies owned by China, North Korea, Iran, or Russia from operating on military bases. The bill reflects a growing narrative around national security and the risks associated with foreign influences on U.S. soil.

Harrigan emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that having the CCP operating directly on military bases poses security risks that surpass concerns about foreign land acquisitions. Speaking to Fox News Digital, he described the circumstances as alarming.

Background on GNC’s Acquisition

In June 2020, GNC faced bankruptcy and was subsequently acquired by Harbin Pharmaceuticals, a corporation partially owned by the Chinese state. Before the acquisition, Harbin had invested in GNC, acquiring a 40% stake in the company in 2018.

Furthermore, in 2019, GNC announced plans to integrate its operations with the International Vitamin Corporation, a group that includes a consortium of Chinese investors. These moves raised eyebrows regarding the potential for surveillance and intelligence gathering at military sites.

The Scope of GNC’s Operations

At present, approximately 85 GNC retail locations on U.S. military bases are functioning under contracts termed ‘long term concessions.’ This structure means that GNC oversees all operations, staffing, and supply chains.

Harrigan warned that these stores present significant intelligence-gathering opportunities. He explained that the data collected from customers, including their purchasing habits and health-related items, could be exploited. This information could potentially be used to identify service members’ vulnerabilities.

Identifying Vulnerabilities

According to Harrigan, GNC’s access to sensitive health information offers a unique insight into military personnel. Purchases of specific products, such as testosterone or anxiety supplements, could reveal details about an individual’s health and readiness.

Additionally, patterns in buying behaviors may provide indications of deployment cycles, further compromising military operations. Harrigan expressed alarm at the possibility of adversaries using such information against U.S. forces.

Cybersecurity Risks and Data Vulnerabilities

Harrigan also raised concerns about potential cyber risks associated with GNC’s operations. The presence of in-store wireless networks and mobile data services could expose troop locations and movements.

Moreover, promotional tools like loyalty programs may serve as vehicles for embedding malicious software or links. The risk of data breaches could significantly undermine military security measures.

Legislative Response and Growing Concerns

Fox News Digital reached out to GNC for comment regarding these serious allegations but did not receive a timely response.

In response to growing concerns about Chinese influence near military sites, lawmakers have introduced a suite of bills aimed at curtailing foreign investments. This movement intensified following the 2022 acquisition by Chinese food producer Fufeng Group of land close to a North Dakota Air Force base.

Recent statistics show that China owned approximately 350,000 acres of farmland across 27 states as of last year, raising additional concerns about national security.

GNC and Federal Registries

In 2023 and 2024, GNC Holdings appeared on the federal System for Award Management, despite being exempt from such registration due to its long-term concessions contract. Notably, GNC failed to disclose its Chinese ownership during this process. Furthermore, the company allowed its registration to expire in October 2024.

Echoes from the Past

In 2020, former Florida Senator Marco Rubio raised alarms regarding GNC’s sale to Harbin Pharmaceuticals. He cautioned that customers’ personal data could be at risk of being shared with the Chinese Communist Party, urging the Treasury Department to launch a national security inquiry.

Despite these serious warnings, Bankruptcy Judge Karen Owens sanctioned the $770 million sale. Since the acquisition, GNC has harnessed a renewed consumer focus on health and wellness, expanding its presence to over 4,000 locations within the U.S. and 2,000 internationally.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

The debate surrounding GNC’s ownership highlights the critical intersection of health, safety, and national security within U.S. military contexts. As foreign investments increasingly touch on sensitive areas, legislators are compelled to consider the implications of international business relationships on defense operations.

The fear of foreign influence is not just a matter of economics, but one that strikes at the heart of national security. With the stakes this high, a thorough examination of policies governing foreign entities on military installations is more imperative than ever.