Texas governor directs state agencies to divest from China in new executive orders

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has recently taken significant steps to limit Chinese influence in the state. He issued three executive orders between November 18 and 20, focusing on protecting Texans from perceived threats posed by the Chinese government. The first order targets harassment of Chinese dissidents, while the second mandates that companies bidding for state contracts certify they are not owned by foreign adversaries. The third order establishes a task force to assess vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and simulate cyberattacks. Additionally, Abbott has instructed state agencies to divest from any investments in China. These actions reflect growing concerns about Chinese influence and align with Abbott's political strategy to appeal to Republican voters ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial primary.