Chinese influence bill passes Legislature, signed by DeSantis, despite discrimination concerns

Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill into law that targets United States-adversarial countries, but has many Florida Chinese groups worried it will lead to discrimination.

"Today is one example of Florida really leading the nation in terms of what we're doing to stop the influence of the Chinese Communist party," DeSantis said at Monday press conference in Hernando County.

Many of DeSantis’ comments behind the podium Monday appeared geared toward a national audience.

"When you look at foreign threats, and you look at a country like China and their ambitions, one you've got to recognize the folly of prior American policies for the last generation," said DeSantis, who is expected to soon announce a presidential run. “A strong America abroad requires a strong America at home, and I think the elites in this country have ignored problems at home for far too long."