Chinese Communist Party's Influence In U.S. State Governments

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Washington

As the United States continues to address threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), a recent report highlights how Beijing is leveraging the American principle of the separation of state and federal powers to evade federal oversight.

While federal efforts have been made to safeguard against potential Chinese threats, the focus has largely been on restricting investments and espionage concerns, overlooking China's significant influence at the state and local levels.

The report emphasizes that China's subnational relations in the U.S. play a crucial role in maintaining its influence across various sectors nationwide, surpassing that of any other external power.

Federal focus on investments and espionage overlooks China's state-level influence.

China exploits U.S. separation of state and federal powers for influence.

China's subnational relations in the U.S. surpass other external powers' influence.

By engaging in relation-building activities at the state and local levels, such as through private contracts, state programs, and investments, China has been able to bypass national security mechanisms that exist at the federal level.

State and local governments, driven by economic development goals, have been more receptive to cooperation with China, creating opportunities for Beijing to exert influence through economic means.

The report also highlights instances where leaders from both political parties, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, have expressed the importance of subnational cooperation with China, emphasizing the need for relationships at the state level to enhance national success.

Experts warn that the lack of coordination in American policy responses to China's subnational influence poses a significant challenge, requiring a more integrated approach to counter China's influence in various sectors like trade, technology, education, media, and research.

China's deliberate strategy of targeting state and local actors as avenues for influence not only facilitates investment deals and cultural exchanges but also enables the manipulation of national narratives, extending the CCP's influence beyond its borders.

To effectively address the CCP's global positioning and safeguard against interference, the U.S. must first confront China's presence within its borders, particularly at the state and local levels.