TAMPA, Fla. — Federal and state officials gathered in Tampa today for a high-level roundtable focused on the counterintelligence risks posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) within Florida’s borders.
The meeting, co-moderated by U.S. Representative Greg Steube and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford, aimed to map out the specific vulnerabilities facing the state’s infrastructure and security.
The event brought a bipartisan group to the table, including U.S. Representatives Kat Cammack and Kathy Castor, alongside members of the Florida Legislature and local law enforcement. Through a series of classified and unclassified briefings, the participants examined how foreign adversaries are attempting to gain a foothold in the region.
Key topics of discussion included the CCP’s efforts to acquire land near sensitive military installations and the ongoing threat of cyber intrusions and influence operations.
Because of Florida’s high density of strategic military sites and critical infrastructure, officials described the state as a “high value target” for foreign intelligence activities.
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Rep. Steube emphasized the gravity of the situation following the panels. “As we discussed today, the CCP is actively working to undermine American security and expand its influence inside our country,” Steube said.
“Florida’s critical infrastructure and strategic importance make it a high value target, placing our state on the front lines. We must proactively address these threats in a forceful and unified manner.”
The roundtable also highlighted a pressing need for better communication between different levels of government. Participants argued that the only way to effectively counter sophisticated espionage and cyber threats is through tighter coordination between federal agencies, state lawmakers, and local police departments.
As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Steube indicated that these discussions will help inform future policy aimed at blocking foreign adversaries from exploiting American assets.
The group concluded the session with a commitment to maintaining a unified front against foreign interference in Florida’s economic and physical security.
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