How US Legislators Respond to Chinese Ownership of American Land

• In Event: New Directions in International Relations and American Political Development

Abstract

This paper investigates the discrepancy between the small percentage of U.S. land owned by China and the significant legislative concerns arising from it. I argue that the push for legislative restrictions on foreign land ownership, particularly targeting Chinese investments, is more a result of domestic political dynamics than actual concerns about food security, environmental impact, or national security. Analysis reveals that public negative perceptions towards China, triggered by land purchases, fuel demands for stronger protectionist policies and spark more aggressive stances against China's influence, pressuring legislators into action. This paper suggests that these legislative actions are more reflective of prevailing socio-political trends than direct responses to the risks associated with foreign land ownership.

Author

• Ze Han, Princeton University