Experts said Texas is a target because of its large number of industries and research hubs.
AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott issued his second executive order this week targeting foreign enemies.
The governor on Tuesday directed state institutions and public institutions to strengthen security against China and the Chinese Communist Party’s “malicious espionage activities.”
Under the order, state agencies must ensure that the companies they do business with are not working with hostile governments, conduct stronger background checks, and ensure that employees do not accept gifts or work with foreign governments. Contracts with companies owned by hostile groups should be prohibited.
Higher education faculty members will also be prohibited from participating in foreign recruitment programs.
“Our top priority is to protect Texans from threats such as espionage from the Chinese Communist Party and its proxies,” Abbott said. “Our top priority is to protect Texans from hostile foreign forces seeking to undermine our state government.” “Strengthening our state government is critical to protecting Texans.” The safety and security of Texas and its people. ”
Jeremi Suri, a professor of public affairs and history at the University of Texas, said plans involving the Communist Party of China or the People’s Republic of China have been going on for years, but recent developments indicate they are trying to influence the election. He said that based on the evidence, that possibility cannot be ruled out.
Texas is a target because it is home to many industrial and research hubs like UT.
Suri said universities need to take more precautions when inviting researchers or accepting funding.
“Is it being used in a way that is really trying to manipulate rather than opening up a space for different perspectives?” Suri said. “We need to do more due diligence, and of course we need to protect the data.”
Suri said she supported the order but was concerned that it would incite hostility against the Asian community. He said it needs to be made clear that anti-Asian behavior and harassment will not be tolerated.
“This is a very small minority of the population, and we need to find those who break the law and hold them accountable, but not the majority. We need that talent. ”Suri said. “We need those people. Most of the Chinese Americans, Chinese students, Chinese people in Texas are students and workers and good people. They have no stake in this issue. I haven’t.”
The executive order comes a day after Mr. Abbott ordered Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers to arrest people involved in harassing or extorting Texans on behalf of foreign groups.
The order comes in the wake of reports that the People’s Republic of China is establishing “police stations” in other countries to intimidate and deport those who criticize the Chinese government back to China.
One of those “police service stations” is believed to be in Houston, and the FBI shut down one in New York last year.
President Abbott’s executive order directs DPS to identify and prosecute individuals suspected of exploiting China critics.
The FBI office in Houston has set up a hotline at 713-693-5000 for people who believe they are victims of this type of activity by the Chinese Communist Party.
