Ft Wayne Times

Rep. Jim Banks, a member of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, has commended the recent enactment of Indiana state law HEA 1120, which prohibits Indiana cities from forming "sister city" agreements with foreign adversaries, including China. In a statement, Rep. Banks emphasized the insidious nature of such agreements, stating, "Sister city agreements are managed by the United Front, the Chinese Communist Party’s overseas influence arm... The CCP pushes sister city agreements to get a foothold here, not to help Indiana." He expressed his satisfaction with state lawmakers' efforts to combat Communist Party influence.

The Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department utilizes sister city agreements as part of its subnational influence strategy, aiming to cultivate relationships with local and state officials for China's benefit. The United Front oversees China's sister city agreements through the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Rep. Banks has been actively involved in addressing these issues. Recently, he introduced the Countering China’s Political Warfare Act to impose sanctions on the United Front. Additionally, Rep. Banks urged Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam to terminate the city's partnership with Xiangyang, China, and advised against participation in activities organized by the U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA), which has strong ties to the CCP's United Front.

Mayor Finkam took action in response to Rep. Banks' concerns, informing the USHCA president that Carmel would not renew its membership. The USHCA, led by former Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, had established a formal partnership with Carmel in 2022, with the city paying an annual membership fee.

In light of these developments, Rep. Banks called on the Justice Department to launch a Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) investigation into the USHCA due to its connections with the United Front. Rep. Banks' efforts underscore the importance of safeguarding against foreign influence and protecting the interests of Indiana and the United States as a whole.