Bans on Chinese land purchases in U.S. crop up in Republican-held states

Critics slam moves by Florida, Montana while governors vow to defend against foreign influence

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says his state is "leading the nation in terms of what we're doing to stop the influence of the Chinese Communist Party." © AP

NAOKO YAMAUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

May 21, 2023 23:56 JST

NEW YORK -- Legal efforts to block Chinese purchases of land have advanced in several U.S. states, with proponents saying the measures guard against hostile foreign influence while Asian American groups see them as overreach.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 8 signed a bill into law that prohibits Chinese citizens from buying land in the state unless they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The law will take effect July 1.