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South China Morning Post
19-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Beijing global executives summit, Chinese-Americans slam visa veto: SCMP daily highlights
Catch up on some of SCMP's biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing A total of 80 top executives from global multinational companies are set to gather in Beijing to discuss a range of economic issues later this month, as China launches a charm offensive to keep trade and investment flowing during a period of heightened global uncertainty. China's cabinet on Wednesday issued a regulation saying the country may take countermeasures if foreign countries impose discriminatory or restrictive measures against its citizens or organisations in intellectual property disputes. Republican-sponsored legislation aimed at blocking Chinese nationals from entering the US on student visas is 'self-defeating', the Committee of 100 said. Photo: Shutterstock A group of prominent Chinese-Americans known as the Committee of 100 has condemned a bill that proposes to ban Chinese nationals from obtaining all main classes of student visas to the US as 'not just exclusionary but self-defeating'.
Voice of America
19-02-2025
- Business
- Voice of America
US agriculture secretary calls for federal action on foreign farm ownership
The new head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture said seeking a federal solution to ban China from purchasing farmland in the United States will be one of her top priorities. 'One of the very, very top of the list perhaps is the Chinese purchase of our farmland. A lot of that land is around some of our military outposts,' Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins told Breitbart News in an exclusive interview, the details of which were released on Tuesday. In recent years, Chinese entities or individuals purchasing land near sensitive locations such as military installations have drawn growing scrutiny from lawmakers and security officials. According to data from the Committee of 100, a nonprofit that advocates for Chinese Americans, as of mid-December of last year, 215 bills restricting property ownership by foreign entities have been introduced across 40 states, of which 164 prohibit or otherwise restrict Chinese citizens from purchasing or owning some form of property. Thirty-six of the bills have passed, and 16 of them limit Chinese citizens from purchasing or owning some form of property, the Committee of 100 said on its website. In her interview with Breitbart News, Rollins said that the Trump administration is looking to take these state-level legislative concerns to the federal level. 'For the last several years my organization America First Policy Institute, we actually worked among multiple states to get states to act on this to pass state legislation [on banning Chinese purchase of farmland], but we also are looking at a federal solution too,' she told Breitbart on Friday. She said there is 'no doubt' that the people are concerned about Chinese foreign investment of farmland, and Americans want U.S. farmland to be owned by fellow Americans as opposed to foreigners such as those loyal to the Chinese Communist Party. She also praised President Donald Trump for promoting an 'America First' ideology that has posed China as a potential security threat to the U.S. A 2023 report containing data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency shows that Canada currently owns the largest amount of foreign-held agricultural and nonagricultural land, with 33%. In comparison, China holds slightly less than 1% of foreign-held farmland. Other notable countries owning U.S. agricultural land include the Netherlands (11%), Italy (6%), the United Kingdom (6%), and Germany (5%). Collectively, these countries account for 28% of foreign-held agricultural land in the U.S., totaling approximately 5 million hectares, according to the Farm Service Agency report. In the report, the USDA noted that despite China's relatively low percentage holding of foreign-owned farmland, 'there is considerable interest in their holdings.' Indiana is one example of a state that took action over Chinese ownership of agriculture land. In March 2024, Indiana State Representative Kendell Culp's legislation to 'protect Hoosier farmland and military bases from foreign adversaries' was signed into law. "Our foreign adversaries like China and Russia should not be able to buy up Hoosier land, which could compromise our ability to protect our food and national security," Culp said in a press release about the legislation. "We can't afford to let even a fraction more of our valuable farmland to be gobbled up," he said. The Committee of 100 said the development of legislation restricting foreign-owned land ownership would 'legitimize harmful and xenophobic claims about immigrants that would exacerbate rising anti-Asian violence that has negatively affected U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike.' 'Should they take effect, these laws would also disproportionately affect a wide range of people of color living in the United States; most of the countries targeted in this legislation are majority nonwhite,' the organization said on its website.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas Republicans renew push for Chinese land ownership ban
[Source] GOP lawmakers in Texas are moving forward with legislation to restrict foreign land ownership in the state, targeting China and other countries deemed hostile to U.S. interests. The move, which follows efforts introduced in recent years, reignites a debate centered on discrimination and civil rights, especially among Asian American communities. State Rep. Cole Hefner, who chaired the House Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations, filed a bill on Jan. 15 that would prohibit land sales to the governments of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, as well as companies headquartered in those countries. The legislation mirrors previous efforts by Republican state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst. 'For too long, America's enemies have employed the strategic purchase of land as a key cog in their broader strategy of unrestricted warfare,' Hefner said in a statement. 'Texas must — and will — ban Communist China and other foreign adversaries from owning Texas land.' House Bill 1849, which aims to 'Protect Texas Land,' would give Gov. Greg Abbott the authority to add countries to the restricted list, while focusing more narrowly on governments rather than individuals. However, non-U.S. citizens living permanently in designated countries would still be affected by the ban. Trending on NextShark: It would also empower the Texas attorney general to investigate and enforce the law. Violations could result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $250,000 or 50% of the property's market value. In 2023, Kolkhorst's Senate Bill 147 faced significant opposition and ultimately failed. The original bill would have prevented individuals from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from buying property, but was later modified to exclude dual citizens and permanent residents after widespread protests. Kolkhorst defended her proposal in committee hearings, saying she 'rejects any notion' that SB 147 is racist. 'I come before you as a liberty-lover and someone that wants to protect our food security, our mineral security and the future of our great state,' she noted. Trending on NextShark: The legislative efforts have galvanized unprecedented political engagement among Asian Americans in Texas, particularly within Chinese American communities. Wei Li, a college professor who has lived in the U.S. for 17 years, testified in March 2023: 'It scoffs at me: 'Sorry, you're not Texan. People like you would not even deserve to own a home.'' As of July 2024, the Committee of 100, a non-partisan Chinese American civic group, reported that 151 bills restricting property ownership by foreign entities have been considered at the state and national levels, with 71 specifically targeting Chinese citizens. The organization is urging Texas legislators to reconsider their actions. 'We strongly urge Texas lawmakers to reconsider their efforts for a wholesale ban on private indiiduals and companies from China and other countries from purchasing property in the state,' Interim President Cindy Tsai said in a statement to The Rebel Yellow. 'Such legislations foster unwarranted suspicion of people based solely on their nationality and reinforces harmful, sinophobic narratives. Rather than creating barriers that isolate communities, we encourage state leaders to pursue inclusive solutions that strengthen security without undermining fundamental rights. We welcome the opportunity to work together to prevent future harms to the AAPI community and to advance a shared vision of a safer, more united America.' Trending on NextShark: While proponents argue the measures are necessary for national security, critics maintain the legislation is discriminatory and potentially ineffective. Nationwide, Chinese land ownership peaked at 383,935 acres (155,737 hectares) in 2021, according to latest USDA figures. It has since been on the decline, dropping 27% between 2022 and 2023. Canada, the Netherlands and Italy accounted for the largest foreign land ownership in the same period. Texas State Rep. Gene Wu, who leads the House Democratic Caucus, warned about the broader implications of the new legislation. 'The intent is to send a clear message of, you're not welcome here. You people are not welcome here,' Wu said, as per the Houston Chronicle. Drawing parallels to historical precedents, the official noted that land ownership laws were among the first restrictions that led to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The legislative push also comes amid broader efforts by Texas leadership to address perceived threats from China. In November 2024, Abbott issued an executive order directing the Texas Department of Public Safety to target individuals executing influence operations on behalf of the Chinese government, particularly focusing on 'Operation Fox Hunt,' which has been used to harass Chinese pro-democracy activists and forcibly repatriate dissidents. Trending on NextShark: 'The Chinese Communist Party has engaged in a worldwide harassment campaign against Chinese dissidents in attempts to forcibly return them to China. Texas will not tolerate the harassment or coercion of the more than 250,000 individuals of Chinese descent who legally call Texas home by the Chinese Communist Party or its heinous proxies,' Abbott said in a news release. Hefner's bill comes against a backdrop of increasing tensions between the U.S. and China, most recently triggered by President Donald Trump's trade policy. While Texas celebrated Chinese investments and sought deeper commercial ties as recently as 2017, relations have cooled significantly. Last year, Abbott ordered state agencies to divest all stakes in China. Similar legislation in Florida has faced legal challenges, with a federal court partially blocking the state's foreign land ownership ban. The case remains pending, with judges indicating potential conflicts with federal law governing foreign investment review. Trending on NextShark: The political implications could be significant, particularly in upcoming elections. Texas is home to one of the fastest-growing Asian American populations in the country — a demographic that has been critical in turning previously Republican-dominated states like Georgia competitive in recent national elections. With House Bill 1849 slated for potential implementation in September, advocacy groups are expected to mobilize to address what they see as a new incarnation of a discriminatory legislation. This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Remembering Don Crisp: His impact on Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Donald Crisp left a legacy in Bay County. Raised in Marianna, Crisp moved to Panama City in the early 1970's. He got involved in community service with the Panama City Jaycees. Crisp founded the Bay County Land and Abstract title company and was involved in thousands of land transactions. He also had a title plant, knowing the history of each parcel in the community. 'If you had a question about a piece of property and there was a title issue he was brilliant. He was brilliant. He could tell you the history of just about every single piece of property in town. And most of the people that are in the title business now either trained under or worked for Don Crisp,' Businessman Allan Bense said. Crisp became very involved in the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and served 1 term as chairman. Retired Chamber President Carol Roberts met Crisp in the 70s, saying he played a vital role in the county's growth and development through his community involvement. Bay County mourns death of the honorable community leader Don Crisp She says his passion, his ability to build spirit in organizations, and the recruitment of like-minded people was second to none. Roberts says the community has lost a true leader, whose legacy and foundation will affect many generations to come. As Chairman of the Committee of 100, Crisp kicked off the 'Share the Future' program, raising over a million dollars for economic development. It remains Bay County's only economic development incentive fund. For his contributions, the chamber named Crisp the 1995 Lauren Merriam Award winner, the chamber's highest honor. Local businessman and former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense first met Crisp in the 70s as well. 'Don was the type of guy that loved to talk. And if you wanted to find out what was going on around town, just take Donald Crisp to lunch and you would find out real quick, like what was going on. Everyone respected him. We liked him,' Bense said. Crisp served on the Port Panama City Authority Board, the Gulf Coast State College Board of Trustees, and the college's foundation. Tom Neubauer says Crisp had a major influence on Gulf Coast State College. 'Don was one of the first people that tapped me as a young person and said, hey, I want you to get involved in the community. And then he led by example, you know, with the Chamber of Commerce, the Committee of 100, the Port Authority Board, the Airport Authority. He actually did everything he could to make this a better place,' ERA Neubauer Real Estate President Tom Neubauer said. Crisp may be best remembered for his work on the Bay County International Airport Authority. In the late 90s, the Federal Aviation Administration was trying to force the county to bring the old airport up to safety standards by lengthening the main runway into North Bay. Gas prices rise due to jump in oil prices 'The Florida Cabinet at that time shut it down. So there's going to be no expansion. So they started looking for other solutions. And this is when talks began and the new site had been located. I mean, literally, he negotiated the deal with the Saint Joe Company for the property where the airport sits today,' Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said. In 2001, George Washington University Aviation Institute named Crisp a 'Captain of American Aviation.' Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opened in 2010 and has become an economic driver for the entire panhandle. 'Don never gave up in trying to contribute to the community. It didn't matter how he felt or how hard he had to work. He stayed plugged in to all of his commitments,' Neubauer said. 'I just like Don, when he walked in, he had a smile and he was just easy to get along with. And I don't think we ever had a crossword,' Bense said. Don Crisp's funeral is scheduled for 2:00 this Saturday afternoon at St. Andrews Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, his family is requesting donations be made to the Don Crisp Endowed Scholarship at Florida State University's Panama City campus. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
