Washington D.C. A bipartisan group of senators is intensifying the push to remove Chinese-owned GNC stores from U.S. military installations, citing national security concerns. The senators have co-sponsored legislation mirroring a bill recently introduced in the House of Representatives, which seeks to prohibit companies owned or controlled by foreign adversaries from operating on military bases.
The primary concern revolves around the potential for espionage and the compromise of sensitive military information. GNC, a popular supplement retailer, was acquired by a Chinese company, posing a risk that the company could be compelled to share data with the Chinese government, potentially jeopardizing national security. The proposed legislation aims to safeguard military personnel and infrastructure by restricting access to companies with ties to adversarial nations.
"Our military bases are critical assets, and we must ensure they are not vulnerable to exploitation by foreign adversaries," stated one of the senators leading the effort. "Allowing companies owned by hostile governments to operate on these bases creates unacceptable risks to our national security." The bill is expected to face debate in the coming weeks, with supporters emphasizing the importance of protecting U.S. interests and maintaining the integrity of military operations.
Senators Push to Ban Chinese-Owned GNC from Military Bases
Three senators are backing a new effort to ban GNC, a supplement store owned by a Chinese company, from operating on U.S. military bases. Lawmakers are concerned about potential national security risks and the possibility of espionage. The move follows a similar bill introduced in the House of Representatives last week. The proposed ban aims to protect sensitive military information and prevent foreign adversaries from gaining influence.