Is the CCP buying land next to US military bases? US Republican lawmaker reveals: Utah forces divestment of 38,000 acres! Taiwan is the first line of defense against the CCP!

This episode interviews Candace Pierucci, Utah State Representative and Republican Whip, who attended the IPAC annual meeting. The interview delves into Utah's pioneering legislation with retroactive effect, requiring companies owned by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to divest from 38,000 acres of land, and blocking them from purchasing sensitive real estate near military installations and the Provo Airport. At the same time, the two sides had a comprehensive discussion on Americans' neglect of the CCP's ideology, Taiwan's important strategic position as a democratic frontline, and the deep friendship and cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan.

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Third, I think we must do more to push back against the CCP and keep them in check, which is difficult because, you know, elected officials talk strongly about China, but behind the scenes, they are happy to make deals and negotiate, right, rather than treating them like the bad actors they really are, and I think we have to back this bully into a corner and unite to truly bring about change on this issue. We took the lead in Utah; we passed one of the strongest policies because our law is not only proactive and forward-looking, but it is also retroactive. So we have already required 38,000 acres of land to be divested from CCP-owned companies. Among the most prominent of these properties, one is right next to a major military facility, and we also blocked a major acquisition involving the Provo Airport because of the bill we passed, which was blocked. And I think the partnership is indeed there, because we want to make sure we are defending a like-minded democracy in the region, and they are the first, the first line of defense against the CCP. So I know that as a legislator, I believe that commitment remains steadfast.

And three I think we have to do more to push back on the CCP and put them in check. It's hard because you you know elected officials will speak strongly about China, but then on the back end they're happy to make deals and negotiate right rather than treating them as the bad actor that they are. And I think that we have to put the bully in the corner and band together to actually make a difference on this issue. In Utah we stepped forward, we passed one of the most robust policies because our law is not just proactive and looking forward, it's retroactive. So we have required 38,000 acres be divested from CCP-owned companies. Chief among those properties, one that was right next to a major military installation. We've also blocked a major purchase by the Provo Airport because of the bill that we passed. And I think that the partnership is there because we want to make sure we're defending a like-minded democracy in that region and that they're the first line of defense against the CCP. And so I know I as a legislator think that the commitment is still strong.

Hello everyone, welcome to "Freedom Is Not Free" and Hard News, the channel for the best news listening experience. I am Stan. Today we are participating in the IPAC (Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China) annual summit, and I have the honor to speak with Candace Pierucci from beautiful Utah.

Yes.

Candace is one of the best friends of Taiwan in Utah.

And you are a State Representative and also the Republican Whip.

That's right, yes.

To provide a brief background, you introduced the 2024 resolution "Sports and Friendship" with Taiwan in Utah, and you also participated in legislative work addressing land purchases by foreign adversarial forces and procurement related to forced labor. Welcome to the show, and thank you for agreeing to be a part of this.

Thank you for having me, I appreciate it.

So, Candace, first question, let's talk a little bit about IPAC, because this association has existed since 2020 and has had many very important activities. These activities are important to Chinese people, to Taiwanese people, to Uyghurs, to the diaspora communities, and to everyone interested in what is happening in China. We are now at the IPAC summit; what are your thoughts on this year's summit? And why do you think international cooperation on China-related issues is so important?

Well, this is my first time attending the IPAC summit, and I am honored to be here. It has been great so far. I think meeting with other stakeholders and policymakers from all over the world is very important. I think the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is, you know, the elephant in the room that everyone avoids talking about, and we must work together to be able to counter them. I also think it is very helpful to emphasize what they are actually doing, and then share best practices on how to push back and respond to them. Many Americans still primarily view China as an economic competitor, or perhaps a trading partner, without fully understanding the ideology behind it—the ideology behind the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Thank you very much for your remarks. Speaking of ideology, you are one of the few speakers who mentioned it. Do you think Americans underestimate the ideology, the nature of the CCP, and its ambitions?

I think that as Americans, we have a tendency to assume that everyone shares our values, shares our system of government, and shares our worldview. I think we must look at what they are doing from the perspective of China's long-term planning. I think Xi Jinping has already announced his centenary plan, and that is certainly not for the United States to have the upper hand. I think we must recognize that they are our foreign adversary. So, I feel this is difficult when we have so many domestic issues and budgets are tied up, and the cost of living is what everyone wants to talk about. I think we can do two things at once: be tough on national security and push back against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), while also bringing down the cost of living. So, back to your question, I do think we need to do better in providing education so that people understand what the CCP actually is, what they are doing, and how we should interact with them as a nation.

Do you think Taiwan can help in this regard, and what about Taiwan as a model of democracy, a frontline democracy facing pressure from China?

Absolutely. I think Taiwan is a great example—a place that innovates out of necessity and has always been a wonderful partner to the United States. It stands in stark contrast to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and it also sets an example in the region, a contrast between freedom and democracy, you know, versus the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its totalitarian way of governance, and a side that is contrary to our value system. So yes, I do think so. But I also think that as Americans, we have a responsibility to ensure that while we are deeply engaged in domestic affairs, we also understand what is happening globally.

And speaking of Taiwan, you are one of the few legislators who proposed this friendship resolution between Utah and Taiwan. Why is the relationship between Utah and Taiwan so special?

I think we have a similar spirit. Utah is known as the Beehive State; we are hardworking and persistent. And when we send, you know, thousands of Latter-day Saint missionaries to Taiwan, they come back speaking the language and loving the culture. So I think that forged a friendship that perhaps other states don't have. But I also think that economically, we are aligned on many things, and from an educational perspective, we have done a lot of work coordinating with them. But I still think that, ultimately, it all comes back to being a friend and ally to Taiwan. I think this is exactly what more states need to step up and do. We do have a Taiwan Friendship Caucus in Utah that I help co-chair, and more and more states will have to step into the realm of national security, and not just that, but also the realm of global engagement. I think this is what we are thinking about in Utah—that we have already built this partnership with them, and we hope it will last for a long time.

Thank you very much. Have you been to Taiwan?

I have, yes.

What are your thoughts on Taiwan?

It was truly incredible. But I think what impressed me most is that they talk about digital literacy at such a young age, at such a young age in their education system, because they are constantly under attack by the CCP. They build these critical thinking skills, and when students are still very young, they have them examine digital literacy. I think we could do better at this in the United States, in identifying CCP propaganda and intelligence that constitutes disinformation. So I think there are many ways we can learn from Taiwan to help strengthen our own approach.

Next, let's talk about foreign adversaries for a moment. You support various measures to protect Utah from these adversaries, including restricting the purchase of sensitive land and measures targeting companies linked to forced labor, especially in the military sector. Utah is a very important state for the United States. Why must U.S. states take these threats seriously instead of leaving everything to the federal government?

Yes, Congress has not taken action on this matter, but that does not mean the problem does not exist just because they do nothing. We took the lead in Utah and passed one of the strongest policies, because our laws are not only proactive and forward-looking, but also retroactive. Therefore, we have already demanded that 38,000 acres of land must be divested from companies owned by the Chinese Communist Party. Among these properties, one of the most prominent is located right next to a major military facility. We also blocked a major acquisition attempt at the Provo Airport because of the bill we passed, and other states are passing similar legislation to drive the Chinese Communist Party out of their states.

Are there any recent examples of bad actors attempting to purchase land, such as in sensitive areas like next to military bases? Or because Japan already has many cases, for example, they like to buy land very close to airports or certain military facilities?

Yes, so in Utah we just blocked them from trying to buy land, right, last year next to the Provo Airport, and then like I said, we just demanded they divest right next to a major military facility. But this is happening all across the country, meaning there will be agricultural land right next to these military bases, and I think we must, really must pay attention to this. I mean, that is a huge vulnerability, we are exposing ourselves to it, so instead of waiting for the federal government, states can take action, they can do this, and we have been very effective in pushing this legislation and becoming a model for other states.

That is fantastic, and I think the whole country should learn from Utah. And speaking of the importance of Taiwan, since the United States and Taiwan share democratic values, economic interests, the semiconductor industry, and a commitment to freedom, from your perspective as a Republican lawmaker, why should Americans care about Taiwan's future? And what would the stakes be for the United States if Beijing attempts to change the status quo by force?

That is a great question. I think on the economic level, as we seek to decouple from China, Taiwan is a trustworthy and good ally. I think we can meet many of these needs and find other countries we can cooperate with. But I think this is similar to the situation of other proxy nations around the world: in the event of a military conflict in Taiwan, that would be bad for Americans, and the Chinese Communist Party flexing that muscle and then trying to expand would, I think, have a major impact on the global situation and the balance of power that currently exists. So I think, first, that would be very bad; second, I think we should step up as a friend and ally to Taiwan; and third, I think we must do more to push back against the Chinese Communist Party and keep it in check. That is hard because, you know, elected officials talk tough about China, but behind the scenes, they are happy to make deals and negotiate, right, instead of treating them as the bad actors they really are. And I think we have to push this bully into a corner and unite in order to truly bring about change on this issue.

And in Taiwan, I think every Taiwanese person is closely watching American politics, and sometimes they worry whether the United States will continue to stand with them. What would you like to say to the people of Taiwan about American support?

I know our politics always ebb and flow, with peaks and valleys, but this relationship remains solid, and I think the partnership is truly there because we want to ensure we are defending a like-minded democracy in the region, and they are the first line of defense against the Chinese Communist Party. So I know that as a legislator, I believe this commitment remains steadfast, and this is one of those areas that enjoys bipartisan support. I mean, that is what makes this summit so exciting—this conference, being able to come here and see people from all kinds of ideological backgrounds supporting this idea, which is to push back against the Chinese Communist Party and support Taiwan's efforts to be a free people.

Thank you very much. One final question: for all the Taiwanese people looking to visit this beautiful state of Utah, what recommendations do you have?

Come on over, we warmly welcome you. You know, we are heading into a big snow season, skiing and snowboarding are very popular, and there is outdoor recreation. This year we are actually hosting the grand open house of the Salt Lake Temple, because I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and this will be the first time it is open in over 100 years, so people should come check it out. We are also preparing to host the 2034 Olympics, so there are plenty of opportunities and reasons to come to our state. Thank you so much, hey, thank you, thank you.

Hi everyone, welcome to the Freedom is Not Free and Hardcore News Channels, My name is Stan and today we're taking part in the IPAC yearly meeting, and to parliamentary alliance on China, and I have an honor to talk to Candace Pierucci from the beautiful state of Utah.

Yes.

Candace is one of the biggest friends of Taiwan that the state of Utah has, and you are the state representative and also the Republican Whip.

That's correct yes.

Just some small background introduction, you have sponsored the 2024 Resolution Sport and Friendship with Taiwan in Utah, and you also worked on legislation addressing foreign adversary land purchases and procurement linked to forced labor, So welcome to the show, and thank you for agreeing to do part of it.

Thanks for having me I appreciate it.

So Candace first question, let's talk a little bit about IPAC because this association has been present since 2020, and there are many very important events, important both for the Chinese people and for the Taiwanese, and for Uyghurs, and for the diaspora communities, and for everyone who is interested in what's going on in China, We're meeting here at the IPAC summit, what do you think about this year's summit? And why do you think international cooperation on China is so important?

Well this is my first IPAC summit, I've been able to attend, and it's been fantastic so far, I think meeting with other stakeholders and policymakers from around the globe is so important, I think that China is you know, the big elephant in the room and we have to work together, to be able to take them on, And I think also it's helpful to highlight what they're actually doing, and then share best practices on how to push back and respond to them.

Many Americans still view China primarily as an economic competitor or maybe trade partner, without full understanding the ideology behind the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Thank you so much for speaking about the ideology, you were one of the few speakers who mentioned it, Do you think Americans underestimate the ideological nature of the CCP and its ambitions?

I think as Americans and we have a tendency to assume everyone shares our values shares our form of government and our worldview, And I think that we have to look at China in the long game that they are working, I think Xi Jinping has announced his hundred-year plan and certainly isn't America being on top, And I think that we have to recognize them as the foreign adversary that they are to us, And so I think it is hard when we have so many domestic issues, and the budgets are tied and cost of living is what people want to talk about, I think we can walk and chew gum at the same time though and be strong on national security, and push back on the Chinese Communist Party, and also bring the cost of living down, So again to your question, I do think we need to do a better job when it comes to providing an educational level of understanding who the CCP actually is, what they're doing and how we should be interacting with them as a country.

Do you think Taiwan can help here, and Taiwan's example of being a democracy, a frontline democracy, facing pressure from China?

Absolutely, I think Taiwan is a great example of someone who has innovated out of necessity and has been an incredible partner of the United States, and juxtaposes really well to the Chinese Communist Party, and just shows an example in the region of freedom and democracy versus you know, the Chinese Communist Party, and totalitarian approach to governing, and the opposite of our value system, So yeah I do think so, But I also think it's upon us as Americans, to make sure that while we are very involved in our domestic affairs, to be aware of what's going on globally.

And talking about Taiwan, you were one of the few legislators who introduced the resolution of friendship between Utah and Taiwan, Why is the relationship between Utah, the state of Utah and Taiwan, why is it so special?

I think we share a kindred spirit and Utah is referred to as the pioneer beehive state, We are industrious and constantly working and when we actually send out, you know thousands of, LDS missionaries to Taiwan, and they come back and speak the language, and love the culture, And so I think that forges a friendship, that maybe other states don't have, But I also think economically, we align on so many things, and from an education standpoint, we've done a lot to coordinate with them, But again I think it goes back to being a friend and an ally to Taiwan, and I think that's more states need to step forward and do that, We actually have the Taiwan Friendship Caucus in Utah which I help co-chair, And more and more states are going to have to step into the national security space and more than that, the global interaction space, And I think that's something that we're looking at in Utah is, we've built this partnership with them, and we want it to last.

Thank you so much, Have you ever been to Taiwan?

I have yeah.

What do you think about it?

It was absolutely incredible. I think what I was most impressed by though is they talked about digital literacy at such a young age in their education system because they're constantly under attack by the the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and establishing those critical thinking skills early on as their students are reviewing digital literacy. I think we can do a better job of that in the United States and identifying the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda and information that's disinformation. And so I think there are a lot of ways we can look to Taiwan to help enhance what we're doing on our side.

And let's talk about foreign adversaries for a while. You supported efforts to protect Utah from those adversaries including restrictions on sensitive land purchases and measures addressing companies associated with forced labor, especially militarily. Utah is a very important state for the US. Why is it important for American states to take these threats seriously rather than living everything to the federal government?

Yeah, Congress isn't moving on it, but it doesn't mean just because they're not doing anything the problem isn't there. In Utah we stepped forward, we passed one of the most robust policies because our law is not just proactive and looking forward, it's retroactive. So we have required 38,000 acres be divested from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-owned companies. Chief among those properties, one that was right next to a major military installation. We've also blocked a major purchase by the Provo Airport because of the bill that we passed. And other states are passing similar legislation to get the CCP out of their state.

Are there any recent cases of those bad actors attempting to purchase land in for example sensitive areas like next to the military bases? Or because there have been many in Japan for example, they like purchasing land very close to the airport, to some military installations?

Yes, so in Utah we just blocked, they tried to buy land right next to the Provo Airport last year. And then like I said, we just required they divest next to a major military installation. But this is happening nationwide where you have agricultural land next to these military bases. And I think we have to be really mindful of that. I mean that's a, that's a huge vulnerability we've opened ourselves up to. And so instead of waiting for the federal government states can act, they can do this. And we've been effective in pushing this legislation and being a model for other states.

This is great. I think the whole country should learn from Utah. And looking at Taiwan's importance because the United States and Taiwan share democratic values, also economic interests, the semiconductor industry, and a commitment to freedom. From your perspective as a Republican legislator, why should Americans care about Taiwan's future? And what would be at stake for the United States if Beijing attempted to change the status quo by force?

It's a great question. I think that one, economically, as we look to decouple from China, Taiwan is a great ally that's trusted that I think we can fill a lot of those needs and find other countries that we can partner with. But I think that similar to other proxy countries around the world, should something happen militarily in Taiwan that's bad for Americans. And the Chinese Communist Party flexing on that power and then trying to expand would, I think, greatly impact the global stage and the power balance that's in place right now. So I think one, it'd be very bad. I think two, we should stand as friends and allies of Taiwan. And three, I think we have to do more to push back on the CCP and put them in check.

It's hard because you, you know, elected officials will speak strongly about China, but then on the back end they're happy to make deals and negotiate right rather than treating them as the bad actor that they are. And I think that we have to put the bully in the corner and band together to actually make a difference on this issue.

And in Taiwan I think every single Taiwanese person is following, closely following American politics. And sometimes they worry that the United States will continue to stand with them. What would you like to tell the people of Taiwan about the United States' support?

I know that our politics are constantly ebbing and flowing, and there are high peaks and low troughs, but the relationship is strong. And I think that the partnership is there because we want to make sure we're defending a like-minded democracy in that region, and that they're the first line of defense against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). And so I know I as a legislator think that the commitment is still strong and it's one of those areas that has bipartisan support. I mean that's what's so encouraging about this summit, this conference to be able to come here is people from all ideological backgrounds are supportive of this idea of pushing back on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and supporting Taiwan in their efforts to be a free people.

Thank you so much. And final question, for all the Taiwanese who would like to visit the beautiful state of Utah, what would you recommend?

Come on out we'd love to have you come. You know, we're going to have a big snow season and we skiing and snowboarding are big recreational outdoor activities. We're actually going to have this year a massive open house for the Salt Lake Temple for I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and it's going to be the first time in over 100 years that it's open, so people should come out. We're working at hosting the Olympics in 2034, so there's plenty of opportunities to have a reason to come to our state.

Thank you so much. Hey, thank you. Thank you.