Chinese nationals caught accessing U.S. military sites 100 times—what are they really up to? 🕵️‍♂️

The acquisition of U.S. farmland by Chinese entities has raised significant national security concerns, particularly due to the proximity of some of these lands to important military bases. This trend, coupled with other Chinese activities in the U.S., points to a strategic effort that could pose serious espionage and sabotage threats. This blog post delves into the extent of Chinese land acquisitions, their potential implications, and the broader context of U.S.-China relations.

Chinese Land Acquisition Near Military Bases

Strategic Land Purchases

Chinese entities now own over 300,000 acres of farmland in the United States, with a notable concentration near critical military installations. The New York Post has identified 19 such bases, from Florida to Hawaii, that are in close proximity to Chinese-owned land. This includes some of the U.S. military’s most strategically significant bases, such as Fort Liberty in North Carolina, Fort Cavazos in Texas, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California, and MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

National Security Concerns

The placement of these land acquisitions is not coincidental. There is a growing consensus that these purchases are strategically designed to facilitate espionage. The infamous Chinese spy balloon incident, which flew over key U.S. military sites including Malmstrom Air Force Base, highlighted China’s keen interest in U.S. military capabilities. Furthermore, the Wall Street Journal reported nearly 100 incidents where Chinese nationals, sometimes disguised as tourists, attempted to access U.S. military bases and other sensitive sites, further underscoring the espionage threat.

The Surge of Chinese Migrants

Increasing Numbers at the Southern Border

In addition to strategic land acquisitions, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of Chinese migrants crossing the U.S. southern border. In 2023 alone, U.S. border officials detained 37,000 Chinese migrants, a tenfold increase from the previous year. This trend continued into 2024, with significant numbers of military-age Chinese men crossing the border, often traveling in coordinated groups with matching equipment.

Potential Security Risks

The influx of these migrants, primarily young men, raises questions about their intentions and potential affiliations. The U.S. authorities’ decision to allow these individuals into the country, despite the apparent security risks, has sparked widespread concern. The exact whereabouts and activities of these migrants remain largely unknown, adding to the anxiety about potential espionage or sabotage efforts.

The MSM corporations give several key reasons why Chinese migrants are increasingly coming to the U.S. across the southern border:

Economic and political factors in China:

• China’s slowing economic growth and high youth unemployment are pushing people to seek opportunities abroad[4][9].
• Some are fleeing political oppression and limited personal freedoms under China’s authoritarian government[4][9].

Difficulty obtaining U.S. visas:

• It has become much harder for Chinese nationals to get visas to visit, work or study in the U.S. in recent years due to increased tensions between the countries[11][15].

Relatively high asylum approval rates:

• About 55% of Chinese asylum seekers are granted asylum in the U.S., compared to 14% for other nationalities, making it an attractive option[15].

Easier entry through Latin America:

• Countries like Ecuador offered visa-free entry for Chinese citizens until recently, providing an easier starting point for the journey[9][15][12].

Established smuggling networks:

• There are organized networks that help facilitate the journey from China through Latin America to the U.S. border[5][9].

Social media information:

• Platforms like TikTok provide information and tutorials on migration routes and processes[6].

Lower costs compared to other routes:

• The southern border route can cost $10,000-$35,000, which is less than some other smuggling methods used previously[5][9].

Difficulty of deportation:

• China often does not accept deportees, leaving many in limbo even if asylum is denied[15].

The combination of push factors in China, pull factors in the U.S., and the relative accessibility of the southern border route has led to a significant increase in Chinese migrants attempting to enter the U.S. this way in recent years.

Preparing for Conflict

Taiwan and U.S. Involvement

Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated, with Chinese President Xi Jinping viewing Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. This has led to an extensive military buildup by China, including frequent military exercises and aggressive maneuvers around Taiwan. Given the historical ties between Taiwan and the U.S., American intervention is highly likely if China invades Taiwan, potentially leading to a major conflict.

Regional Military Conflicts

China’s aggressive stance is not limited to Taiwan. There have been increasing confrontations with other countries in the region, such as the Philippines. A recent incident in the South China Sea saw Chinese coast guard personnel engage in hostile actions against Filipino soldiers, resulting in injuries and escalating tensions.

China’s Growing Military Expenditure

Increasing Defense Budget

China has consistently increased its military spending, with a 7.2% rise announced for 2024, bringing the official budget to CNY 1.67 trillion ($232 billion). However, actual defense expenditure is likely much higher, potentially exceeding $300 billion when accounting for off-budget items like military R&D and major weapons purchases.

Long-term Military Goals

China’s military spending is set to continue its upward trajectory to meet its ambitious goals of military development by 2027 and modernization by 2035. This persistent growth in defense expenditure is expected to trigger similar increases among neighboring countries, further intensifying regional military dynamics.

China’s Military Spending Forecast

Based on the search results and available information, here’s a forecast for China’s military spending:

1. Continued Growth: China is expected to maintain its trend of increasing military spending in the coming years. The country has seen consistent growth in its defense budget, with a 7.2% increase announced for 2024, bringing the official budget to CNY1.67 trillion ($232 billion)[2].
2. Outpacing Economic Growth: China’s military spending growth has been outpacing its economic growth for several years. This trend is likely to continue as China prioritizes military modernization and development[2].
3. Unofficial Spending: While China’s official military budget for 2024 is set at $232 billion, actual defense expenditure is estimated to be much higher, possibly reaching or exceeding $300 billion[2]. This discrepancy is due to off-budget items such as military research and development and some major weapons purchases.
4. Long-term Goals: China’s military spending is expected to continue increasing to meet President Xi Jinping’s stated goal of “military development” by 2027 (marking the 100th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army) and military modernization by 2035[2].
5. Regional Impact: China’s rising military expenditure is likely to drive up spending by its neighbors. Countries like Japan and Taiwan have already increased their military budgets in response to China’s growing military capabilities[3].
6. Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) Considerations: When adjusted for PPP, China’s military spending has a significantly higher “bang for the buck” compared to its nominal value. A recent analysis suggests that China’s 2022 military budget of $229 billion was equivalent to approximately $711 billion in US spending power[1][4].
7. Focus on Combat Readiness: A significant portion of China’s growing military budget is expected to be directed towards boosting the combat readiness of the People’s Liberation Army[3].

Looking Ahead

The combination of Chinese land acquisitions near U.S. military bases, the surge in Chinese migrants crossing the southern border, and the increasing military expenditure underscore the multifaceted threat posed by China. As tensions escalate, particularly over Taiwan, the U.S. must reconsider its policies and strategies to safeguard national security. The presence of Chinese-owned land near critical military installations is a glaring vulnerability that needs immediate attention to prevent potential espionage and sabotage in the face of a looming conflict.

FAQs about Chinese Farmland Ownership and National Security Concerns

Citations:
[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/china-military-spending-nearly-equal-us-defense-budget-711-billion-2024-5
[2] https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/2024/03/08/china-set-to-increase-military-budget-by-7-2-percent/
[3] https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2024/global-military-spending-surges-amid-war-rising-tensions-and-insecurity
[4] https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/keeping-up-with-the-pacing-threat-unveiling-the-true-size-of-beijings-military-spending/
[5] https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/05/07/china-us-southern-border-migration-darien-gap/
[6] https://www.csmonitor.com/text_edition/USA/2024/0521/chinese-migrants-why-border-crossing
[7] https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/asian-pacific-american-heritage-month-2024/2024/05/06/chinese-nationals-southern-border
[8] https://thediplomat.com/2023/06/why-are-more-and-more-chinese-migrants-risking-their-lives-to-cross-the-us-southern-border/
[9] https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/immigration/chinese-migrants-at-us-border/
[10] https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2024/0521/chinese-migrants-why-border-crossing
[11] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ecuador-temporarily-suspends-mutual-visa-exemption-with-china/
[12] https://apnews.com/article/china-immigration-border-deportation-mayorkas-514f42ee56e80fe7eb7f9fcc71c4d55c
[13] https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/08/americas/china-us-migrants-illegal-crossings-intl-hnk-dst/index.html
[14] https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2024-06-18/ecuador-moves-to-restrict-u-s-bound-chinese-migrants-many-of-whom-cross-in-california
[15] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chinese-migrants-fastest-growing-group-us-mexico-border-60-minutes-transcript/