Kansas committee reviews Senate Bill 9 to counter Chinese influence through land purchases

The Kansas Senate Committee on Judiciary convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss significant legislative matters, including a proposed bill aimed at addressing foreign influence in local politics and business operations. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, highlighting concerns about the implications of foreign investments, particularly from China.

One of the key discussions centered around a strategy allegedly employed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to influence U.S. decision-making through land acquisitions and data access via technology companies. A witness emphasized that this strategy, known as military civil fusion, has been in place for over a decade and poses a threat to U.S. interests, particularly in states like Kansas. The witness argued that the proposed bill represents an opportunity for Kansas residents to protect themselves from such foreign influence.

In contrast, Stephen Kuba, the government relations manager for Smithfield Foods, expressed opposition to the bill as currently written. He highlighted that Smithfield is an American company with significant investments in Kansas, employing over 1,000 people in the state. Kuba clarified that Smithfield is publicly traded and not a state-owned enterprise, asserting that their majority investor, WH Group, operates independently of the CCP. He urged the committee to consider amendments that would allow Smithfield to continue its investments in Kansas while addressing the bill's concerns.

The committee also discussed the history of the proposed legislation, noting that it had been considered in previous sessions but had not advanced. As the meeting concluded, the committee opened the floor for questions, indicating a willingness to engage further on the bill and its implications.

Overall, the discussions highlighted a tension between national security concerns regarding foreign investments and the economic interests of established companies operating in Kansas. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining how these competing interests will be balanced in the final legislation.