- The U.S. ordered a Chinese crypto mining company, MineOne Partners Ltd, to divest from real estate near an Air Force base in Wyoming, citing national security threats.
- The real estate is located near the F.E. Warren Air Force Base, which houses U.S. nuclear missiles.
- The White House stated that MineOne Partners Ltd and its affiliated companies might take actions that could impair U.S. national security.
The US has ordered a Chinese crypto mining company to vacate land near an Air Force base in Wyoming, saying the firm’s presence poses a national security threat.
Background
The White House issued an order stating that MineOne Partners Ltd and its affiliated entities might take actions that impair US national security. The firm must divest the real estate it purchased in 2022 near F.E. Warren Air Force Base, which houses nuclear missiles.
Details of the Land Purchase
MineOne Partners Ltd planned to use the land near the Air Force base for cryptocurrency mining. The base is home to the 90th Missile Wing, which operates 150 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles.
US Government’s Reasoning
The Treasury Department said the Chinese company’s plans to expand its crypto mining operations to Wyoming posed unacceptable risks of disruption to the military installation. The US is increasingly scrutinizing Chinese investments in sensitive sectors and near military sites.
Reaction
MineOne said it was disappointed by the Biden administration‘s order. The company said its data centers would have brought investment and jobs to Wyoming without threatening US interests. MineOne said it complies with all US laws.
What’s Next
The Chinese firm must now divest its interest in the Wyoming property located about 12 miles from the Air Force base. This is the latest crackdown on Chinese companies amid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over technology and security.
