Ricketts on Combatting Communist China, Protecting Nebraska Ag Land

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the need to combat Communist China’s spying.  This follows the filing of charges against a Chinese national for photographing Offutt Air Force Base. “Last week, we learned of an incident at Offutt Air Force Base,” said Ricketts. “A Chinese national was arrested and charged with illegally photographing the military installation.  He photographed sensitive aircraft like the RC-135 and the E-4B.  This action puts Nebraska airmen and national security at risk.  It threatens Offutt’s critical mission.  It threatens our nation.” Ricketts also highlighted his efforts to restrict ownership of ag land by foreign adversaries, including the AFIDA Improvements Act and PLOT Act . “The Chinese Communist Party also has a policy of strategically buying ag land,” said Ricketts. “As of 2023, Communist China owned more than 277,000 acres of farmland.  But it’s not just about the number of acres that they own.  They have targeted sensitive sites surrounding Army bases and airfields such as Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota.  These aren’t minor intrusions.  This is a serious national security threat.” Watch the video here. TRANSCRIPT: Senator Ricketts: “Last week, we learned of an incident at Offutt Air Force Base. “A Chinese national was arrested and charged with illegally photographing the military installation. “He photographed sensitive aircraft like the RC-135 and the E-4B. “This action puts Nebraska airmen and national security at risk. “It threatens Offutt’s critical mission. “It threatens our nation. “This is a continuing pattern of malicious behavior by Communist China. “I see this firsthand as chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy. “We know that Chinese nationals have tried to steal our agriculture biotechnology. “One Chinese national was sentenced to three years in prison and forfeited farms he had purchased for long-term theft of valuable corn seed in Iowa and Illinois. “Two Chinese Communist agents were arrested at the University of Michigan last year for smuggling dangerous biological pathogens into the U.S. that could attack our crops. “Supposed Chinese tourists have been flying drones around bases. “In 2023, a Chinese national was arrested in California for running an illegal bio lab. “He was already a wanted fugitive for stealing American intellectual property. “He has since been linked to further illegal bio labs, including one in Las Vegas, where authorities found samples of HIV and malaria. “The Chinese Communist Party also has a policy of strategically buying ag land. “As of 2023, Communist China owned more than 277,000 acres of farmland. “But it’s not just about the number of acres that they own. “They have targeted sensitive sites surrounding Army bases and airfields such as Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. “These aren’t minor intrusions. “This is a serious national security threat. “I’m leading efforts to restrict foreign ownership of ag land by foreign adversaries. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture is responsible for overseeing the foreign purchase of ag land. “This authority comes from the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, or AFIDA. “I introduced the bipartisan AFIDA Improvements Act to strengthen this foreign ag land reporting process. “It increases transparency and information sharing. “It would also require an online reporting portal for USDA. “These provisions were included in the House Ag Committee’s Farm Bill. “I also introduced the Property Location Oversight and Transparency, or PLOT Act. “The PLOT Act increases USDA oversight of foreign purchases of American farmland. “The PLOT Act would lower reporting thresholds to capture smaller foreign ownership stakes that currently go unreported. “The PLOT Act would also require foreign purchasers to provide detailed digital maps of ag land purchases. “These maps would be available to USDA, local governments, and the public. “That way, every Nebraskan knows where foreign adversaries are purchasing farmland. “Communist China is the greatest threat to the American way of life. “The Chinese Communist Party wants to replace the United States as the sole global power. “Dictator Xi Jinping has no problem hurting Americans or Nebraskans in this pursuit. “In the Senate, I’m fighting to combat Communist China’s malign influence. “We will not permit their spying. “We will not accept their aggression. “On a separate note, congratulations to the city council of Lexington for taking the next step to acquire Tyson properties. “ That includes ag land, a wastewater treatment plant, and a railroad link. “This will provide the opportunity for future jobs and investment in Lexington. “I await further announcements from the city. “I will also continue to work with Lexington city officials.”