Screenshot from Governor Sanders delivering press conference Feb. 26, 2025 (Courtesy of KARK)
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders unveiled a series of bills on Wednesday aimed at preventing China from conducting business in the state.
Describing the legislation as the “Communist China Defense Legislative Package,” Sanders introduced six bills, some of which have already been filed while others are still under consideration. The proposed measures are designed to counter what the governor described as “Communist China influence” in Arkansas.
Sanders pointed to 60 foreign intelligence investigations into the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the U.S. in 2024, noting that 80% of foreign intelligence cases in Arkansas are linked to CCP activities.
The package includes provisions to reinforce existing laws, such as reducing the time allowed for selling land holdings banned due to foreign influence, prohibiting CCP lobbying efforts, and preventing Arkansas municipalities from establishing sister city relationships with Chinese cities.
The governor also stated that colleges and universities hosting Confucius Institutes would no longer be eligible for state funding, citing concerns that these institutions are used by China for intelligence purposes.
Additionally, Sanders announced that Arkansas will no longer promote goods made in China in the future.
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