This article was originally published by the Des Moines Register
This March marks the sixth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset in Iowa. It was a surreal time, with impacts ranging from mildly inconvenient to life-altering. While some effects have faded (hopefully for good), others revealed lasting lessons that extend far beyond masking and social distancing.
One of the clearest lessons was the extent of the United States’ reliance on foreign suppliers. Pharmaceuticals, technology products, semiconductors, and even parts of the national defense supply chain depend heavily on overseas production, much of it in China. This reliance raises not only supply chain concerns but also national security risks, including potential cyberattacks and disruptions to critical resources such as food and water.
In addition to supply chain disruptions exposed by COVID-19, U.S.-China relations come into even sharper focus in Iowa, where China is not just a key supplier but also a major export market, making shifts in global relations, tariffs and trade policy especially consequential for our state’s agriculture-driven economy. In response to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, China temporarily refused to purchase U.S. soybeans, which had a direct impact on Iowa farmers.More: Big Tech’s dangerous dance with China undermines Trump’s America First agenda | Opinion
While subsequent trade negotiations led China to gradually resume soybean purchases, its earlier refusal demonstrated the leverage it can exert over Iowa’s economy. Although it is often forgotten, it is estimated that Iowa alone lost nearly 34,000 jobs to China, the majority of them in the manufacturing sector.Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
It is in response to all of these concerns that Gov. Kim Reynolds issued an executive order in February “to strengthen protections and reduce vulnerabilities against potential threats by the Chinese government.” The order “directs the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to conduct an annual state risk assessment that includes, but is not limited to, vulnerabilities related to cybersecurity attacks, economic security, and public health.” The agency will also be required to annually evaluate the vulnerability of the state’s critical infrastructure.
Many of the technology products and services used across Iowa warrant closer scrutiny, especially in industries where supply chains may be influenced by, or unknowingly connected to, Chinese entities. China’s significant global investment footprint can shape companies and the technologies they produce, raising concerns about hidden vulnerabilities.
These risks are not hypothetical. They include the potential for cyberattacks that expose sensitive networks, compromise credentials, introduce malicious code, or exploit weaknesses in existing hardware and software. China has also demonstrated the ability to embed backdoor access in certain technologies and communications devices, including drones.
Against this backdrop, the executive order seeks to safeguard Iowa’s critical infrastructure by ensuring the security of systems that support public health, the power grid, drinking water, and the food supply, areas where vulnerabilities could have far-reaching consequences. When she issued the order, Reynolds stated, “As foreign adversaries like the communist regime in China continue seeking ways to penetrate American markets — putting U.S. citizens at risk — I will make certain our systems are fortified to protect Iowans from these threats. We must ensure our state operations are resilient against any hostile actions aimed at undermining our state and nation.”More: Big Tech’s dangerous dance with China undermines Trump’s America First agenda | Opinion
February’s executive order is not the first time Iowa’s leaders have moved to strengthen the state’s defenses against China’s overreach. In 2023, the Legislature passed Senate File 418, requiring Iowa’s public retirement funds, including IPERS, to avoid investing in companies tied to the Chinese government or military and to divest from any such holdings within a set timeframe.
The following year, lawmakers enacted Senate File 2204, strengthening existing restrictions on foreign ownership of agricultural land by increasing reporting requirements, expanding enforcement authority, and imposing tougher penalties. The governor has also banned TikTok and other Chinese-developed applications, such as DeepSeek and RedNote, on state devices due to potential security risks.
The Legislature is currently considering legislation that would prohibit the hiring of people with H1-B visas from nations that are identified as foreign adversaries or state sponsors of terror, which would include China.
Iowa’s experience over the past six years makes one thing clear: Global dynamics are no longer distant concerns; they have direct, local consequences. From supply chains to export markets to critical infrastructure, the intersection of economic policy and national security is now unavoidable. Iowa has not been complacent. State leaders have taken meaningful steps to strengthen safeguards and reduce exposure to foreign risks. The challenge ahead is to remain engaged in global markets while ensuring that Iowa’s economy, institutions, and essential systems are resilient against external pressure and influence.
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