China’s Land Grab in the U.S.: A National Security Crisis Unfolding in New Jersey
By Giuseppe Palmeri, Jackson Township Councilman
January 2025
Over the past decade, China has been quietly buying up vast tracts of farmland across the United States, raising concerns that extend far beyond economics. This is not just about foreign investments; it is a matter of national security. Alarmingly, some of this farmland is strategically located near U.S. military installations, including sites in New Jersey. It’s time for federal and state governments to address this growing threat, including enacting stricter regulations and reclaiming these lands through eminent domain.
In China, foreign ownership of land is tightly controlled, with non-Chinese citizens needing specific authorization to make such purchases. Meanwhile, in the United States, there are few restrictions preventing foreign entities from acquiring vast swathes of critical farmland. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land has increased dramatically, with Chinese entities alone controlling nearly 384,000 acres as of recent reports.
This asymmetry is concerning. Why should we allow a foreign government—or entities linked to it—such extensive access to our land and resources, particularly when the same privilege is not reciprocated?
The most troubling aspect of China’s land purchases is their proximity to sensitive military installations. Across the country, farmland acquired by Chinese interests has been located alarmingly close to U.S. Air Force bases, radar facilities, and other defense-critical infrastructure.
New Jersey is not immune. Reports suggest that China has acquired acreage in close proximity to sensitive locations within the state. Whether these purchases are intended for economic gain or other, less transparent motives, their proximity to national security assets is a risk we cannot afford to ignore.
Farmland may seem like an unlikely target for foreign investment, but it holds immense strategic value. Agricultural land provides food security, water rights, and access to critical resources. In the hands of foreign powers, this control could be leveraged to disrupt supply chains or gather intelligence on nearby facilities.
To address this issue, we need decisive action at both the federal and state levels. Here’s what must be done:
1. Restrict Foreign Purchases: Legislation is needed to restrict or outright ban foreign entities, especially those linked to adversarial nations, from purchasing land in the U.S.
2. Review Existing Ownership: A thorough investigation into current foreign-owned farmland is essential, with a focus on lands near military or strategic infrastructure.
3. Eminent Domain: Where foreign-owned lands pose a clear security threat, the government should utilize eminent domain to reclaim these properties. This is not just about safety—it’s about sovereignty.
4. Increase Transparency: All land purchases by foreign entities should be subject to public disclosure, ensuring communities are informed about who owns critical resources near them.
As a Jackson Township councilman, I am deeply concerned about the impact on our state. New Jersey’s role as a hub of innovation and infrastructure makes it a prime target for foreign land acquisitions. We must take proactive steps to safeguard our state’s resources and ensure that our lands are used for the benefit of New Jersey residents—not foreign governments with questionable intentions.
The issue of foreign ownership of U.S. farmland is more than an economic concern—it is a matter of national security. By allowing this trend to continue unchecked, we risk compromising the safety and sovereignty of our nation. The federal government must act swiftly, and New Jersey must lead the charge in addressing this issue locally.
Together, we can protect our land, our resources, and our future. The time for action is now.