US Orders Chinese-Linked Firm to Divest Property Near Missile Silos
The White House has issued an ultimatum to a Chinese-affiliated company and its partners, giving them 120 days to divest property they purchased near a U.S. Air Force base in Wyoming. This base houses a portion of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, raising concerns about potential espionage activities. MineOne Partners Limited, owned by Chinese nationals, collaborated with other entities to acquire real estate for cryptocurrency mining near the Francis E. Warren Air Force Base. The base hosts intercontinental ballistic missiles, making it a crucial component of America’s nuclear defense strategy. Citing the proximity of the foreign-owned property to a strategic missile base and the presence of specialized equipment capable of facilitating surveillance, the White House highlighted the national security risk posed by such ownership.
The decision underscores the U.S. government’s growing apprehension regarding Chinese-led investments near sensitive military installations. This move aligns with ongoing efforts to safeguard national security interests, as demonstrated by previous investigations into Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei’s potential data capture capabilities at U.S. military sites. The transaction involving MineOne Partners underwent scrutiny by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), emphasizing the panel’s role in safeguarding against foreign investments that threaten national security. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the critical role of CFIUS in preventing foreign investment from compromising national security, particularly concerning transactions involving sensitive military installations and advanced technologies.
