The spotlight has turned once again to U.S. military bases and the companies operating within them. Republican Representative Pat Harrigan of North Carolina has introduced legislation aimed at bolstering security on these installations. In a short video tour of Fort Bragg, Harrigan highlighted the presence of four GNC stores, now under Chinese ownership.
GNC, a well-known retailer of health supplements, vitamins, and fitness products, was purchased by the Chinese firm Harbin Pharmaceutical Group in 2020. Originally a family-owned business from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, GNC has expanded its reach with over 4,000 stores in the U.S. and more than 2,000 abroad. The company’s acquisition by a Chinese state-linked enterprise has raised eyebrows among U.S. officials.
Concerns about Chinese business ties to the Communist government are not new. Despite the growth of China’s private sector, a significant portion of its economy remains under state control. U.S. officials have previously scrutinized GNC’s situation, citing potential risks to national security.
Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, expressed alarm when Harbin was set to acquire GNC. He called for a security review, worried about the implications for American consumer data. “The acquisition of a major health and nutrition chain… presents the opportunity for state-directed actors to purchase this information legally,” Rubio stated.
Harrigan’s recent actions are in line with these concerns. By introducing the Military Installation Retail Security Act, he aims to address potential threats from foreign-owned retail operations on military bases. His video tour of Fort Bragg showcases what he considers a clear issue.
“If I have anything to say about this, and I do, they’re not gonna be here for long,” Harrigan declared in his video. He emphasized his stance with a bold post on social media. “The Chinese Communist Party has no business anywhere near our warfighters!” he asserted.
The video quickly gained traction, amassing over two million views, and sparked a broader conversation. Republican Representative Ben Cline of Virginia joined the discourse, labeling the situation a “MAJOR national security threat.” Cline highlighted that GNC operates numerous locations on U.S. military bases.
Despite the uproar, GNC spokesperson Nick Sero refuted claims of a security risk. He assured that GNC is managed by a U.S.-based team and adheres to strict security measures approved by the Department of Defense. “Customer data is protected… and no data is shared with or accessible to our parent company,” Sero explained.
Nonetheless, the debate over foreign influence in American businesses continues. The balance between welcoming foreign investment and safeguarding U.S. interests remains a delicate one. Many proponents of strong national defense view foreign ownership of American companies with skepticism.
The case of GNC exemplifies tensions between globalization and national security. For those concerned about protecting U.S. borders, the presence of a Chinese-owned company on military bases is troubling. The situation reflects broader anxieties over foreign control and influence.
Some view GNC’s purchase by Harbin as emblematic of a broader trend. It’s seen as a symbol of the globalist agenda that some believe undermines American interests. The issue strikes at the heart of debates about sovereignty and economic independence.
As Harrigan and others push for greater scrutiny, the conversation around foreign ownership of U.S. assets intensifies. These discussions are fueled by a desire to protect American workers and maintain control over key industries. The balance between open markets and national security is an ongoing challenge.
The presence of foreign-owned businesses on military installations is a particularly sensitive matter. It raises questions about the intersection of commerce and security. For those advocating for a robust defense, ensuring that U.S. military bases remain free from foreign influence is a priority.
In this context, the debate over GNC’s operations at Fort Bragg is more than just a local issue. It taps into national concerns about security and foreign ownership. The response from officials like Harrigan is part of a broader movement to safeguard American interests in an increasingly interconnected world.
