Staff Reports
Republican Gov. Mike Parson of Missouri has taken a bold step in safeguarding his state’s military bases from potential foreign threats. Parson recently signed Executive Order 24-01, which bans the purchase of land near military facilities by foreign nationals or companies affiliated with China or Russia. This move comes as part of the governor’s commitment to protecting his state and country from espionage and other unauthorized activities.
In the order, Parson highlighted that the U.S. government has identified certain foreign governments and non-government entities that have engaged in conduct detrimental to the national security of the United States. To ensure the security of military and intelligence assets, it is crucial to limit the ownership of land near military bases to individuals or businesses associated with friendly nations.
Today, we announced Executive Order 24-01, which bans individuals and businesses from nations designated as foreign adversaries from purchasing agricultural land within a 10-mile radius of critical military facilities in the State of Missouri. https://t.co/uqJIYYxFFq pic.twitter.com/LpS7AQOpWJ
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) January 2, 2024
Under the new order, individuals and businesses with ties to countries that have an adversarial relationship with the United States are prohibited from buying land near military bases. In addition, any land they do acquire in Missouri cannot exceed one percent of the total agricultural acreage in the state. To ensure compliance, the Missouri Department of Agriculture will review all agricultural land purchases.
Governor Parson emphasized the importance of this executive order during a news briefing, stating that it aims to prevent security threats to the state and provide peace of mind for Missourians. He also made it clear that the order is focused on countries like China, which have a history of posing security risks to the United States.
It is worth noting that existing landowners are exempt from this executive order, and America’s allies will not be affected. This move by Missouri aligns with similar actions taken by other Republican governors, such as Ron DeSantis of Florida and Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas. These state leaders are taking a stand against Chinese land ownership, which has raised concerns about national security.
By implementing this executive order, Governor Parson is putting the security of his state and nation first, ensuring that foreign adversaries do not gain access to sensitive military facilities and intelligence assets. This move demonstrates his commitment to safeguarding the well-being and future of Missouri, and it sets a precedent for other states to follow in defending their interests against potential threats.
