China’s Subnational Influence: A New Frontier in U.S.-China Relations
As tensions between the United States and China continue to escalate, one of the most elusive challenges faced by American policymakers is the subtle yet pervasive influence exerted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at state and local levels within the United States. While federal efforts have focused on mitigating direct national security threats from Beijing, the CCP has adeptly maneuvered around these measures by leveraging America’s own principle of state autonomy, thereby enhancing its influence throughout various sectors across the country.
Understanding the Landscape of Chinese Influence
A recent report titled “The Near Enemy: China’s Subnational Reach Into the United States,” published by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), highlights the scale of China’s subnational engagement in America. This report underscores that Chinese influence extends beyond mere economic transactions; it involves a strategic approach to relationship-building at state and local levels. The resulting dynamics not only facilitate investments but also foster ties that can potentially skew public perception and policy in favor of Chinese interests.
The report asserts that the influence exerted by the CCP in this manner significantly surpasses the reach of any other foreign power. Furthermore, it is markedly more sophisticated than the influence operations conducted by the former Soviet Union during the Cold War. This stark reality raises urgent questions about how the U.S. can effectively safeguard its sovereignty and democratic integrity in an increasingly interconnected world.
Federal Versus Subnational Dynamics
The crux of the challenge lies in the division of responsibilities between federal and subnational entities within the U.S. federal system. Typically, national authorities manage overarching policies related to security and international trade, while state and local governments focus on providing public goods and fostering economic growth. This division creates opportunities for the CCP to engage directly with state and local officials, who may prioritize economic development over national security concerns—a perspective articulated in a 2019 report by China’s state-owned news agency, Xinhua.
The FDD report reveals that this approach allows the CCP to cultivate relationships that bypass stricter federal scrutiny. Economic incentives, such as job creation and investment promises, can easily lead state and local leaders to overlook security risks, thereby deepening the influence of Chinese interests within their jurisdictions.
Bipartisan Engagement with China
Both Democratic and Republican leaders have actively sought cooperation with China, reflecting the allure of economic opportunities presented by subnational partnerships. Notably, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping illustrate the bipartisan inclination towards engaging China at the state level, focusing on collaboration in areas ranging from economic development to cultural exchange programs.
Similarly, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson emphasized the importance of subnational cooperation amidst the trade war, suggesting that fortified state relationships with China could bolster national objectives. Such sentiments, however, warrant concern as they potentially undermine a cohesive U.S. strategy in countering CCP influence.
The Need for a Coordinated Response
The findings of the FDD report paint a compelling picture of the asymmetry present in the U.S. response to Chinese influence. With national authorities concentrated on countering security threats, the lack of coordination can result in significant vulnerabilities. For the United States to effectively respond to this complex challenge, a more integrated approach is required—one that acknowledges and addresses the subtleties of Chinese subnational influence.
Experts suggest that addressing the CCP’s tactics will necessitate a transformation in how U.S. policymakers view state and local engagements with China. Such a shift in perspective will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of American institutions and ensuring that local economic incentives do not inadvertently serve as conduits for foreign influence.
Chinese Strategy: Exploiting Vulnerabilities
According to FDD senior fellow Nathan Picarsic, the CCP explicitly targets state and local interactions as “valuable and ripe targets for influence efforts.” By exploiting the divided nature of U.S. governance, Beijing is able to establish footholds that can significantly affect national narratives and policy formation.
For the U.S. to effectively counter the growing influence of the CCP, it must first recognize and address its domestic presence. This necessitates a deliberate effort to establish protocols that integrate national security considerations into local and state-level decision-making processes.
Conclusion: Reassessing U.S.-China Relations
As the U.S. navigates an increasingly competitive global landscape marked by a rising China, it is imperative for policymakers, business leaders, and civil society to reassess existing frameworks governing state interactions with foreign powers. The delicate balance between fostering economic opportunities and safeguarding national security must guide future engagements with China, ensuring that American interests are protected at all levels of governance.
The complexities of U.S.-China relations require not only vigilance but also an astute understanding of how local actions can reverberate throughout the national landscape. Moving forward, a nuanced approach that accounts for the intricacies of subnational influence may prove critical in defending against potential encroachments by the CCP, ultimately preserving the core tenets of American democracy.