When Utah blocked a Chinese-owned company from buying land near Provo Airport, it wasn’t just a real estate deal that got nixed; it was a declaration that some things aren’t for sale.
At a Glance
- Utah Governor Spencer Cox blocked a land purchase by a Chinese-owned company near Provo Airport.
- Legislation in Utah restricts land sales to entities from adversarial nations.
- The blocked sale is part of a broader effort to limit foreign ownership of strategic U.S. land.
- Over 35,000 acres previously owned by Chinese entities have been divested in Utah.
Utah Takes a Stand Against Foreign Land Ownership
Foreign ownership of U.S. land has always been a hot potato, especially when the buyer hails from countries not exactly on America’s Christmas card list. Utah has joined the ranks of states saying “not so fast” to such transactions. This time, it’s Governor Spencer Cox who slammed the door shut on Cirrus Aircraft, a company majority-owned by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), from buying land near Provo Airport. The state’s recent legislation specifically targets entities from nations like China, and this law is proving to be more than just words on paper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixWaJIt3q94
AVIC, the Chinese aerospace giant linked to the People’s Liberation Army, found itself on the wrong side of Utah’s state law. This isn’t just a case of local politics; it’s a move that aligns with broader national concerns about foreign ownership of land near critical infrastructure. With Cirrus Aircraft’s attempted purchase squashed, Governor Cox proudly declared, “We are not for sale.” The message is clear: Utah is prioritizing national security over real estate deals that could have potential long-term implications.
Legislative Muscle and Strategic Concerns
Utah’s legislative action, spearheaded by Rep. Candice Pierucci, is a strong statement against adversarial foreign investments. The law not only bans land sales to nations considered adversarial but also requires divestment of existing properties. This move underscores the strategic importance of the land in question, located near the Provo Airport, a site with inherent strategic significance. It’s not just about who owns the land; it’s about who controls the land that could be pivotal in national security.
The recent events in Utah are part of a broader narrative across the United States, where several states are enacting or considering similar restrictions. Given the federal watch lists that AVIC appears on, Utah’s legislative response is not just timely but also a testament to the state’s commitment to safeguarding its assets from foreign influence. The decision to block the land sale was not just about protecting a patch of earth; it was about protecting the state’s economic sovereignty and national security interests.
Impact and Future Implications
The immediate fallout from Utah’s decision includes the loss of a multi-million dollar investment and the hundreds of potential jobs that might have come with it. However, the long-term implications could be more significant. With over 35,000 acres of Chinese-owned land already divested in Utah, the state is setting a precedent that could ripple across the nation. Other states may look to Utah’s example as they craft similar policies to protect their land from foreign ownership.
Economically, there’s a trade-off between short-term losses and long-term gains in security. Socially, the decision has heightened public awareness and debate over foreign influence and land ownership. Politically, it’s strengthened state-federal alignment on national security concerns. The real question is whether other states will follow Utah’s lead or continue to prioritize economic benefits over security concerns.
