FL Gov Ron DeSantis Takes a Strong Stance Against China with Executive Order to Block Land Grabs

On Thursday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made moves to protect Floridians from adversaries abroad including the Chinese Communist Party by executive order. Desantis plans on introducing legislation to solidify this action.

“Today, I took action to protect Floridians from the bad intentions of adversaries abroad, such as the Chinese Communist Party. This Legislative Session, I am proposing additional protections for our homeland against threats arrayed by those who seek our nation’s downfall.”

Today, I took action to protect Floridians from the bad intentions of adversaries abroad, such as the Chinese Communist Party.

This Legislative Session, I am proposing additional protections for our homeland against threats arrayed by those who seek our nation’s downfall. pic.twitter.com/2yVxf33fL6

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 22, 2022

During the press conference to announce the executive order DeSantis described why he was doing this.

“From server farms to farmland, the Communist Party of China has been worming its way into our nation’s data storage systems and buying up tracts of land near sensitive national security sites,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “By prohibiting the purchase of lands, state contracts with Chinese technology firms, and the infiltration of CCP-affiliated groups such as Confucius Institutes, Florida is leading the way to protect our nation from international foes.”

“The Chinese Communist Party cheats on trade, steals our intellectual property, and produces deadly drugs like fentanyl that are pouring into our southern border,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Governor DeSantis’ announcements today are not only critical to protecting American interests and Florida farmlands but also to maintaining our national security. Florida will never kowtow to the oppressive regime of China.”

“With today’s Executive Order, Governor DeSantis takes decisive action to defend the State of Florida and all Floridians from the cyber threats posed by foreign countries of concern and associated groups,” said Department of Management Services Secretary Pedro Allende. “The Governor’s direction to develop cybersecurity and procurement rules and standards will make it harder for bad actors to gain a foothold on state infrastructure, will protect Floridians’ personal information and intellectual property, and will further secure key information systems and the critical infrastructure that our state and its citizens rely on each day.”

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis, Florida will not allow foreign adversaries and Communist dictatorships to have insights into some of the most sensitive data and cutting-edge research taking place in U.S. academia,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “As a Cuban-American, I know how Communist countries attempt to infiltrate schools and universities to steal intellectual property and indoctrinate young people with their dangerous and radical ideology. By removing this influence and focusing on the importance of American ideals and citizenship through civics education, Florida is again leading the way for the nation to follow.”

The three main objectives of the executive order are:

• Prohibiting state and local government from contracting with companies owned by, controlled by, or based in China and other foreign countries of concern if the contract provides access to Floridians’ personal information.

• Prohibiting China and other foreign countries of concern from purchasing agricultural land and land surrounding military bases in Florida.

• Prohibiting Florida universities from receiving gifts from any individual or entity affiliated with China or other foreign countries of concern.

During the press conference, DeSantis announced tax relief that was being enacted including no longer taxing many baby items, as well as other things to help Florida families.

DeSantis isn’t afraid to make moves other governors won’t consider.

You can see the full press conference below: