National security officials are increasingly concerned about a troubling report regarding Chinese intelligence operations in the United States, particularly focusing on two golf courses located adjacent to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. This base is crucial to the U.S. nuclear triad, making its proximity to assets owned by a Chinese intelligence officer particularly alarming.
Josh Hodges, a U.S. commissioner with the U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “This investigation is yet another wake-up call.” He emphasized that the Chinese Communist Party engages in tactics that exploit gaps in security by purchasing properties near sensitive military sites. He pointed out that these purchases are often made to gain influence in critical infrastructure, including America’s power grid.
The ownership of the golf courses can be traced to Eugene Ji, a Chinese-American businessman linked to the Communist Party through his roles in the United Front Work Department. This department is known for managing information campaigns. According to some lawmakers, it operates much like a disinformation network that needs to be sanctioned.
Michael Lucci, CEO of State Armor, echoed this sentiment and praised Louisiana lawmakers for their efforts to combat the influence of the CCP. However, he urged that more decisive action is essential to safeguard military installations. He commented, “A Chinese intelligence official with huge property purchases next to Barksdale Air Force Base is proof positive that Chinese land acquisitions are strategic and malicious.” Lucci’s analysis suggests that these acquisitions are not merely business ventures but rather part of a calculated plan by the CCP to position themselves advantageously for possible intelligence gathering or sabotage.
Warning against complacency, Lucci emphasized the urgency of legislative action to prevent such foreign threats. He called for Louisiana to take a leading role in banning Chinese ownership of property near military installations. His stance reflects a clear concern that failing to act could jeopardize national security and further expose the U.S. to potential conflicts with China.
Former Trump official Joe Grogan added his voice to the discourse, stressing the necessity of distinguishing between legitimate investment and the dangers posed by foreign ownership near pivotal military assets. He remarked, “It is unthinkable that agents of Communist China could be allowed to take possession of property so close to one of our nation’s most vital strategic assets.” Grogan advocated for enhanced collaboration between federal and state governments to strengthen defenses against such incursions. He firmly stated that “the need for greater cooperation between federal and state agencies to confront threats like these could not be more clear.”
As the situation develops, the implications of these findings may challenge the boundaries of foreign investment in the U.S. and prompt serious discussions about national security protocols regarding property ownership by foreign entities. With these stakes, the dialogue surrounding Chinese influence and control over critical infrastructure is generating significant attention from security experts and lawmakers alike.
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