How much US land does China really own?
How much US land does China really own? Chicago Council on Global Affairs
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A Report on Chinese Land Ownership in the U.S.
Introduction
A 2022 Chinese land purchase in the U.S. raised concerns about foreign ownership of land. Fufeng Group, a food producer, acquired 370 acres for corn milling near an Air Force base in North Dakota. In response, the Biden administration proposed a new rule that requires government approval for any foreign company or individual purchasing land within 100 miles of certain U.S. military bases, including the North Dakota base.
Chinese Land Ownership in the U.S.
Chinese ownership of U.S. land has been a topic of concern among lawmakers. However, as of 2021, China only owned 383,935 acres of U.S. land, which is less than 1% of all foreign-held land.
Foreign Ownership Reporting System
A 2023 NBC investigation revealed that the foreign ownership reporting system is “lax and enforcement minimal.” Some land purchases were not reported to the USDA for years. However, there is little evidence to suggest that Chinese land ownership in the U.S. exceeds its reported boundaries significantly.
China’s Investments in Foreign Agriculture
In testimony to the Senate agriculture committee, Michigan State’s Ortega stated that China’s investments in foreign agriculture are primarily driven by its desire to achieve food self-sufficiency. Former USDA chief economist Joe Glauber also mentioned that Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland is minimal.
Restrictions on Chinese Land Ownership
In 2023, at least 81 bills were proposed across 33 states to restrict Chinese ownership of farmland and land near military bases. One of these bills, a Florida law, banned non-U.S. citizens domiciled in China from buying land or buildings. However, the bill was blocked by a U.S. appeals court in February.
Common Practice of Land Restrictions
Although the volume of new Chinese land restrictions is notable, it is important to note that placing limits on foreign landownership is a common practice. Approximately half of all states have laws restricting foreign landownership in some capacity, and at least 11 federal bills on the topic have been proposed in the last three years.
Expectations for Future Legislation
John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, expects the political rhetoric on Chinese land ownership to escalate. He also anticipates more legislation being introduced and passed, as state legislators aim to appear tough on China.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- SDG 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
- SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 2.4: Percentage of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
- Indicator for SDG 15.3: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area.
- No specific indicators mentioned for SDG 16.7.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | Indicator: Percentage of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. | Indicator: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels. | No specific indicators mentioned. |
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Source: globalaffairs.org
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