In a bold move to address alleged espionage threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order aimed at tightening security across state agencies and institutions.
Key Directives of the Order
- Stricter Security Measures: State agencies and public institutions are required to bolster their defenses against foreign adversaries, with a particular focus on China.
- Background Checks and Compliance:
- Companies partnering with the state must certify no ties to foreign adversary governments.
- Employees are prohibited from accepting gifts or engaging in contracts with entities linked to adversarial groups.
- Educational Safeguards:
- Higher education staff are barred from participating in foreign recruitment programs deemed a threat to national integrity.
Governor Abbott cited FBI reports alleging Chinese government efforts to infiltrate local and state institutions as part of a broader strategy to compromise U.S. security. Abbott stressed the importance of “hardening” state defenses to safeguard both Texas and national interests.
The executive order follows a related directive issued earlier this week, instructing Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers to detain individuals accused of harassing Texans on behalf of foreign entities. This earlier measure was a response to reports of China operating “police service stations” abroad to target dissidents.
Abbott’s actions underscore his strong stance on state security and reflect broader concerns about international espionage in the U.S. The executive order is seen as part of a growing trend among state leaders to address potential threats from foreign adversaries through localized measures.
Further developments and impacts of these measures on state and international relations remain to be seen.
