The renowned manufacturer of the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9A Reaper, General Atomics (GA-ASI), has expressed concerns and “firmly opposes” China’s agricultural project near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota.

In a press release statement released last week, the GA-ASI urged the US Government to reconsider the approval of the 370 acres of land purchase of Fufeng Group instead scrapping the whole project proposal entirely, noting potential espionage. The planned $700 million corn milling plant is only 15 miles from the air base, where defense technology companies such as GA-ASI generally “conduct significant test and evaluation efforts related to unmanned aircraft, radar systems, and other advanced military technologies,” jeopardizing national security.

“The proposed agricultural project represents a major vulnerability for maintaining the necessary secrecy and integrity of classified weapons, communications frequencies, satellite connectivity, and many other technologies vital to global security,” the statement read.

GA-ASI spokesman C Mark Brinkley highlighted that the Chinese business efforts are more often than not inextricably linked with Chinese government measures.

“We can’t ignore the opportunity for sophisticated military espionage to co-locate itself within a Chinese business of such scale and scope. Given the proximity to critical national airspace and sensitive military operations on and around Grand Forks Air Force Base, American leaders should be very, very concerned. I know I am. So, we’ve got to act,” Brinkley added.

And Brinkley, indeed, is right. American policymakers should thoroughly review, if possible, halt the project and land procurement altogether, despite significant economic opportunities. Grand Forks Air Force Base and its surrounding area uphold important information and sensitive military operations that could jeopardize national security.

“We understand the significant economic opportunities this proposed agricultural project represents for the people of Grand Forks and the state of North Dakota,” Brinkley said. “But no measure of assurances from the company can ever offset the tremendous risk being introduced. The strategic national security value of Grand Forks cannot be overstated, and that’s why we’re asking the US government to act swiftly to protect this asset.”

Concerns and Opposition to the Chinese Project

The GA-ASI is among the many who voiced concerns at the $700 million project by the Fufeng Group, sparking debates since it first transpired earlier this year.