Confronting China’s Growing Influence in America: A Call to Action

Confronting China’s Growing Influence in America: A Call to Action

In September, the Chinese Communist Party marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a military parade. At this event, Chairman Xi Jinping articulated his vision for the future, dressed in homage to Mao Zedong, a significant figure in the CCP’s history. From Tiananmen Square, Xi boldly proclaimed that the world faces a choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation.

It is clear that Xi has chosen confrontation. He is waging a multi-faceted war on U.S. soil through his United Front strategy, employing a range of influence operations that shape American attitudes and behaviors, seeking to manipulate society on a grand scale.

The Depth of China’s Influence

China’s malign influence infiltrates nearly every aspect of daily life in America. Xi has interconnected China with food supplies, investment funds, educational institutions, healthcare systems, and home life. This pervasive infiltration requires grassroots counteractions. While federal efforts can enhance national security, states must collaborate and learn from one another to effectively combat the CCP’s reach.

China’s reach extends into major industries impacting American lives. The acquisition of Smithfield Foods, the nation’s largest pork supplier, and the purchase of vast tracts of farmland demonstrate a strategic grip on food supply chains. Additionally, the CCP’s investments in China’s firms infiltrate public pension funds, creating potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, Chinese Students and Scholars Associations on college campuses act to suppress free speech, while Confucius Classrooms in K-12 settings aim to instill a sympathetic ideology among the youth.

Impact on Families and Communities

Perhaps most alarming is China’s direct interference in American family dynamics, primarily through its control of TikTok. The CCP utilizes this social media platform to propagate harmful trends, including those that promote self-destructive behaviors and vandalism among its young users.

Polling data from The Vandenberg Coalition reveals that 86 percent of individuals who supported President Donald Trump in 2024 back efforts to prevent the CCP from acquiring American land. Concerns also extend to public retirement funds, with 92 percent of senior Trump voters supporting divestment from Chinese holdings. Among younger, self-identifying MAGA voters, 91 percent express unease about the actions of CSSAs, while 90 percent of respondents under thirty share concerns about TikTok’s Chinese ownership.

Grassroots Efforts and Government Initiatives

The administration has taken significant steps to address these challenges. In July, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins rolled out a comprehensive National Farm Security Action Plan, aimed at countering threats posed by China’s agricultural ambitions. Additionally, President Trump has pressured pharmaceutical companies to cease importing Chinese ingredients for vital medications. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced restrictions on visas for certain Central American nationals collaborating with the CCP.

However, overcoming this substantial challenge requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. During a recent engagement with state legislators and policy organizations, the need for a collaborative approach became crystal clear. The expansive team representing the United States in its contest with China spans lawmakers focused on land security, businesses dedicated to the free market, and community forums promoting family values.

State Initiatives with National Impact

State-level initiatives can play a pivotal role in protecting American freedoms. Particularly pressing is the threat of asset freezes amid deteriorating relations with China. In response, Indiana has initiated the process of divesting its pension funds from Chinese entities. Recently, Comptroller Elise Nieshalla joined her peers from other states in a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission, urging the prevention of Chinese entities from obtaining Foreign Private Issuer status, which would permit them to solicit investments with minimal regulation.

Nebraska has also taken decisive action by banning foreign individuals and entities from owning or leasing farmland. Meanwhile, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently signed legislation requiring lobbyists representing foreign entities to register on a public database. By 2024, nearly forty states had enacted at least partial bans on TikTok across government-issued devices, reflecting significant public concern and research by state think tanks.

Protecting America’s Future

In a reality where China leads, it could control the food Americans consume and the essential medicines they depend on. The CCP would dictate educational content for American students and manipulate community dynamics through the algorithms of platforms like TikTok, fostering self-destructive trends.

American state governments must recognize the aggressive actions being taken by the CCP. They need to be responsive to their constituents who have voiced their concerns through electoral choices, particularly in supporting Trump’s stance against the United Front. Taking proactive measures, sharing successful strategies, and fostering collaborations are essential to prevent Xi Jinping from advancing his agenda on American soil.