R
eal estate mogul Grant Cardone recently sparked controversy with a tweet suggesting that China should not be allowed to purchase US real estate unless they partner with an American entity, stating "You want to invest here, partner here." This statement reignited concerns over foreign ownership of American land, particularly by China, which has been under increased scrutiny.

    Foreign ownership of US land is not new. According to a 2021 USDA report, foreign entities own about 40 million acres of US agricultural land, roughly 3% of privately held farmland. Canada leads with 12.8 million acres, while China ranks 18th with approximately 384,000 acres.

    Many view China's investments in US farmland and real estate as a potential national security risk. Lawmakers have blocked Chinese companies from building facilities near sensitive areas due to concerns about spying. Tensions over trade issues and surveillance balloons have also contributed to growing unease about China's land purchases.

    Cardone's statement highlights the debate surrounding foreign ownership of American land, particularly by China. While some view it as a legitimate business opportunity, others see it as a threat to national security.