In a stunning move that has sparked outrage from conservatives, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona vetoed a bill aimed at preventing China from buying land near military bases and other critical assets in the state.
The bill, S.B. 1109, was designed to curb Chinese influence in the U.S. by restricting Chinese government-linked entities from owning land near strategic locations, such as military bases, nuclear power plants, and tech facilities.
However, Governor Hobbs’ veto has raised significant concerns about her commitment to national security and her willingness to prioritize the safety of American citizens over partisan politics.
Arizona state Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp led the charge to pass the bill, which was intended to prevent China from acquiring property near important U.S. military installations, including Luke Air Force Base, where fighter pilots are trained, and the Palo Verde nuclear power plant.
However, despite widespread bipartisan support for the bill, Governor Hobbs chose to veto it, calling the measure “ineffective” at addressing espionage concerns and claiming that it would not directly protect American military assets in the state.
Conservatives have been quick to condemn Hobbs for her veto, accusing her of putting political interests above the safety and security of American citizens.
Michael Lucci, CEO of the conservative group State Armor Action, slammed Hobbs’ decision, saying that her veto effectively sends a signal to China that the state of Arizona is open for business when it comes to allowing Chinese investments near critical national assets.
“Governor Hobbs’s veto of SB 1109 hangs an ‘Open for the CCP’ sign on Arizona’s front door,” Lucci said. “Allowing Communist China to buy up American land near critical assets like Luke Air Force Base, Palo Verde nuclear power plant, and Taiwan Semiconductor’s growing fabrication footprint is a national security risk, plain and simple.”
Lucci’s criticism highlights a growing concern among conservatives that Chinese investments in sensitive U.S. infrastructure pose a direct threat to national security.
For years, national security experts have warned that allowing foreign adversaries, particularly China, to gain control over land near military bases, nuclear facilities, and tech hubs is dangerous.
This concern is amplified by recent developments, such as the rising threat of asymmetric warfare and the increasing use of technology and espionage in geopolitical conflicts. The proximity of foreign interests to military assets creates a real and present danger to U.S. national security.
China has long been accused of using its investments abroad as a means of gaining influence and access to strategic assets. Critics argue that the Chinese government’s investments in key sectors of the U.S. economy are not merely motivated by business interests but are part of a broader strategy to undermine American power and advance China’s geopolitical ambitions.
By purchasing land near critical infrastructure, China can potentially monitor, influence, or even disrupt vital American operations. With this in mind, the need for strong, proactive measures to prevent Chinese land grabs near military bases has never been more urgent.
In her defense of the veto, Governor Hobbs argued that the bill was “ineffective at countering Chinese espionage” and that it did not “directly protect” military assets in the state.
She further claimed that the bill lacked “clear implementation criteria,” which she argued could lead to “arbitrary enforcement.” While Hobbs’ concerns about the bill’s implementation may seem reasonable on the surface, they are undermined by the fact that the legislation went through a bipartisan amendment process to address those very issues.
Initially, the bill aimed to ban all foreign nationals and entities from purchasing land in Arizona. However, after careful consideration and amendments, the bill was tailored to specifically target Chinese government-linked entities and their subsidiaries, thus addressing concerns about discriminatory practices in land sales.
This change demonstrates that lawmakers were committed to crafting a fair and effective bill that would prevent China from gaining access to critical U.S. infrastructure while ensuring that legitimate foreign investments were not unduly restricted.
Despite these amendments, Hobbs chose to veto the bill, citing vague concerns about its effectiveness. It’s difficult to ignore the political implications of her decision.
As a Democrat, Hobbs is clearly reluctant to take any action that could be perceived as overly hostile toward China, particularly in an election year. This reluctance is emblematic of a larger trend within the Democratic Party, which has often been accused of being soft on China and reluctant to take strong action to protect U.S. interests from foreign adversaries.
Governor Hobbs’ veto is part of a broader pattern of Democratic resistance to measures aimed at curbing Chinese influence in the U.S. While Republicans have consistently pushed for stronger actions to limit Chinese investments and protect U.S. national security, Democrats have often opposed these efforts, fearing that they will damage U.S.-China relations or harm the economy.
This stance has led many conservatives to accuse the Democratic Party of prioritizing political correctness over the safety and security of American citizens.
It’s not hard to see why many conservatives are frustrated with the Democrats’ approach to China. While Republicans have been outspoken about the need to take a hard stance on Chinese land ownership and investments in the U.S., Democrats have been slow to act and often dismiss the concerns raised by national security experts. Governor Hobbs’ veto is just the latest example of this troubling pattern.
Democrats, by refusing to acknowledge the dangers posed by Chinese land purchases near military installations, are essentially sending a message that they are willing to put political interests ahead of national security.
This is especially troubling given the growing threats posed by China in the areas of cyber espionage, military expansion, and economic influence. By continuing to resist efforts to block Chinese influence in the U.S., Democrats are ignoring the very real risks to America’s security and sovereignty.
Conservatives have long argued that China represents a serious national security threat, and the issue of Chinese land ownership is just one example of the ways in which the Chinese government seeks to exert influence over U.S. infrastructure.
Whether it’s through the purchase of land near military bases, investments in key technology sectors, or cyber espionage, China is actively working to gain an advantage over the U.S. in virtually every arena.
The Trump administration recognized the dangers posed by China and took strong action to protect American interests. President Trump was outspoken about his desire to reduce China’s influence in the U.S. and took steps to counter Chinese investments in critical infrastructure.
Under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. also made significant strides in holding China accountable for its unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, and human rights abuses.
Republicans, especially those aligned with Trump’s America First agenda, have continued to advocate for policies that push back against Chinese influence and prioritize the safety and security of U.S. citizens.
The push for legislation like S.B. 1109 is a direct response to the growing concerns about China’s influence in the U.S. and the need to take proactive steps to safeguard national security.
Governor Hobbs’ veto of S.B. 1109 is a stark reminder of the need to hold Democrats accountable for their stance on China.
As more and more states take steps to limit Chinese land ownership and investment, it’s crucial that lawmakers in Washington and state capitals recognize the dangers posed by foreign adversaries like China and take decisive action to protect U.S. interests.
The push for rescinding Chinese investments and blocking their access to critical U.S. infrastructure is not just about partisan politics—it’s about protecting America’s future.
While Democrats continue to drag their feet on this issue, Republicans and conservatives are stepping up to ensure that the U.S. remains secure and resilient in the face of foreign threats.
In the coming weeks and months, it will be crucial to see whether the GOP can continue to push forward with legislation that limits Chinese influence in the U.S.
While Governor Hobbs’ veto is a setback, it is far from the final word on this issue. The fight for America’s future must continue, and it is clear that the Republican Party, under the leadership of figures like President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is committed to taking strong action to safeguard the nation’s security and sovereignty.
In conclusion, Governor Hobbs’ veto of the bill is a clear example of the Democratic Party’s reluctance to confront the growing threat posed by China. While Republicans continue to push for stronger measures to protect U.S. interests, Democrats like Hobbs are more focused on political correctness than on the safety and security of the American people. It’s time for lawmakers to take action and put America’s national security first—before it’s too late.
