Trump Sidesteps Question on Chinese Farmland Buys Near U.S. Bases

Former U.S. president Donald Trump declined to explain why Chinese entities have been acquiring farmland near American military installations when pressed on the issue on 9 July. “I don’t want to get into that,” he said, adding only that he maintains “a very good relationship with President Xi” and that China is paying substantial U.S. tariffs. Lawmakers from both parties have voiced concern that foreign ownership of land close to sensitive defense sites could pose security risks, and several proposals in Congress seek to tighten scrutiny of such transactions. Trump’s refusal to elaborate leaves unclear whether he would support additional restrictions if he returns to office.