Governor Greg Abbott has taken proactive measures to protect Texas from espionage threats posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In anticipation of the state legislature convening in January, he has issued four executive orders. These orders aim to safeguard Texas from potential risks and ensure the state’s security.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has been instructed to focus on apprehending individuals involved in CCP influence operations, such as the controversial “Operation Fox Hunt.” This initiative, launched by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), aims to forcibly repatriate individuals identified as dissidents residing in the United States. The Center Square has reported on this matter.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management and Public Utility Commission of Texas has been instructed to prepare for potential threats to Texas’ critical infrastructure from a hostile foreign government or its proxies, including the CCP and PRC.
The third directive instructed state agencies to divest from investments originating from China.
The fourth directive instructed all state agencies and higher education public institutions to strengthen their systems and protect critical infrastructure, intellectual property, and personal information from unauthorized access by hostile foreign nations, including the PRC and CCP.
Governor Abbott emphasized that the utmost priority is to safeguard Texans from espionage threats originating from the Chinese Communist Party and its proxies. He cited the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s findings, which revealed that the Chinese government has specifically targeted local and state officials as part of their broader strategy to undermine national security in the United States. Recognizing the significance of fortifying state government, Abbott asserted that it is crucial to protect Texans from hostile foreign actors who may seek to compromise the safety and security of both Texas and the nation as a whole. Through the implementation of this Executive Order, Texas aims to shield its critical infrastructure and information from potential threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party.
Foreign adversaries listed in the order consist of the PRC, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Russia, and Venezuela. These countries have leaders who have been involved in activities that pose a significant threat to the national security of the United States and the safety of its citizens.
All state agencies and public higher education institutions must implement seven measures as part of the order. These measures include:
Companies submitting bids or proposals are now required to certify that none of their holding companies or subsidiaries are owned by a foreign adversary government. Additionally, stronger background check procedures will be implemented for state employees and contractors who have access to critical infrastructure. State employees will also be prohibited from accepting gifts or participating in work-related travel to foreign adversary countries. Furthermore, state agencies are now prohibited from contracting with companies owned or controlled by a foreign adversary government. Lastly, public higher education faculty and employees are no longer allowed to participate in any foreign recruitment program initiated by a foreign adversary nation.
Public higher education institutions must now submit yearly reports on foreign gift disclosures to the legislature as per the order. Additionally, faculty and employees are prohibited from participating in any foreign recruitment programs sponsored by foreign adversaries, including the PRC’s Thousand Talents Program.
Abbott has directed all state agencies and public higher education institutions to certify their compliance within 60 days after the regular legislative session concludes next year.
The order he issued mentions reports from Congress and counterintelligence that detail the dangers presented by the PRC, CCP, and other foreign adversaries. It specifically highlights the alleged infiltration of Chinese spies in the office of the New York governor.
Abbott and the legislature have taken other actions, and now they are issuing these orders.
In 2021, the “Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act” was signed into law by Abbott. This act, unanimously passed by the Texas legislature, aims to prohibit Texas governmental entities and businesses from entering into contracts with companies owned or controlled by hostile foreign nations. The intention behind this law is to prevent these companies from gaining access to Texas’ critical infrastructure. The decision to pass this law was influenced by the discovery that a Chinese billionaire and former Chinese People’s Liberation Army general had acquired over 130,000 acres of land in close proximity to Laughlin Air Force base in Val Verde County. This air force base happens to be the largest air force pilot training base in the U.S. (Source: The Center Square).
In the previous legislative session of 2023, Abbott expressed his intention to endorse a bill that would prohibit foreign nationals from countries, such as the PRC, which pose national security risks to the U.S., from acquiring land in Texas. This bill received bipartisan support and successfully passed in the Texas Senate. However, it faced a setback in the House as it was blocked by Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, the committee chair, following a campaign led by the CCP. The Center Square reported this development.
After the Biden administration reported a significant increase in Chinese nationals illegally entering the U.S., the U.S. House responded by passing a series of bills to address Chinese national security threats. According to The Center Square, over 176,000 Chinese nationals entered the U.S. illegally, leading to these actions being taken.
