The threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to the United States has been a growing concern, with the federal government taking steps to protect against potential threats from Beijing. However, a report by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) titled “The Near Enemy: China’s Subnational Reach Into the United States” highlights how China is utilizing relationships at the state and local levels to bypass federal restrictions and maintain influence in a variety of sectors. Chinese subnational influence in the U.S. has been found to outweigh the capacity of any other external power and dwarfs the leverage previously cultivated by the Soviet Union.
This localized influence is achieved through means such as private contracts, state-based programs, and acquisitions that create jobs and boost local economies. State and local governments are more focused on economic development rather than security concerns, making them easier targets for Chinese influence efforts. This approach allows China to bypass national security mechanisms and continue to expand its influence in the U.S. despite federal efforts to restrict its activities.
The report points out that relationships between Chinese entities and American leaders at both the state and national levels have been cultivated regardless of political affiliation. Examples include California Governor Gavin Newsom meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss economic development and cultural exchange programs, as well as Arkansas’ Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson emphasizing the importance of subnational cooperation with China during a trade war. This bipartisan support for Chinese relationships at the state level poses a significant challenge to effectively safeguarding the U.S. from Chinese interference.
According to FDD experts, the lack of coordination in American policy responses to China creates vulnerabilities that China exploits to further its influence and shape national narratives. China views state and local actors as valuable targets for influence efforts that can not only secure investment deals and cultural programs but also sway public opinions. By manipulating state, local, and commercial avenues, China is able to evade barriers imposed by federal authorities and expand its influence beyond its borders.
The deliberate approach taken by the CCP to establish a united front and extend its influence globally requires a coordinated and integrated response from the United States. To effectively address the threat posed by the CCP’s global positioning, the U.S. must first address the CCP’s presence within the country. This includes developing strategies to counter Chinese influence in various sectors such as trade, investment, technology, education, media, and research enterprises. By identifying and closing off the avenues through which China operates, the U.S. can better protect itself from foreign interference and ensure its national security.
In conclusion, the challenge of Chinese subnational influence in the United States highlights a critical gap in American defenses and underscores the need for a more unified and comprehensive approach to address the complex nature of Chinese influence operations. By recognizing the vulnerabilities present at the state and local levels and working to close them off, the U.S. can better protect its interests and counter the threat posed by the CCP’s influence operations. This requires coordinated efforts at both the state and federal levels to strengthen national security measures and safeguard American interests from foreign interference.
