How China got caught in the crossfire of a US bacon fight

Political advertisements airing in the US this summer have unexpectedly linked China and bacon, framing a specific farm bill provision as a detrimental giveaway to Chinese corporations. One advertisement declared, "The corrupt Save Our Bacon scam in the farm bill – it’s a giveaway to Chinese corporations," accompanied by images of the Chinese flag and President Xi Jinping, questioning viewers, "Whose side is your senator on? America or China?"

While viewers might assume these ads are part of a typical Republican effort to counter Beijing, the reality is more complex. The aggressive campaign against the "Save Our Bacon Act" stems from a dispute over pig housing practices. This situation exemplifies how China is being weaponized in US domestic politics, creating an unexpected collision between animal welfare concerns, agricultural regulations, and America's growing political anxiety surrounding China.

Opponents of the bill accuse a measure backed by Republicans of prioritizing a Chinese-owned pork giant over the interests of American farmers. The controversy underscores the intricate interplay of various issues, including ethical treatment of animals and the regulatory landscape of agriculture, all amplified by the current geopolitical climate and domestic political strategies.

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The corrupt Save Our Bacon scam in the farm bill – it’s a giveaway to Chinese corporations. Whose side is your senator on? America or China?