Indiana Bans Sister-City Agreements With China, Other ‘Foreign Adversaries’

Lawmakers in Indiana have implemented a ban on sister-city agreements with countries deemed “foreign adversaries,” of the United States, most notably with China. This comes amid growing concerns over foreign powers’ influence on local U.S. governance and diplomacy. Other foreign adversaries included in the amendment, which added the ban, include Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela. Spearheaded by Democrat State Rep. Mitch Gore, the legislation aims to scrutinize and limit the extent of soft power exerted by these nations through seemingly benign cultural and economic exchanges. “I know (the agreements) are usually billed as ways to exchange culture and goodwill. And while that may be true for the majority of them, I think that sister-city agreements with countries listed as foreign adversaries deserve a little more scrutiny,” said Mr. Gore, according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle. “It’s a method by which these countries can exert some soft power and try to influence American policymakers.”...