Washington, D.C., June 5, 2025 — Nestpoint Managing Director Tim Phillips joined Real America’s Voice to weigh in on alarming new developments involving national security and agricultural threats tied to China. The interview, prompted by the recent charges against two Chinese researchers accused of smuggling a dangerous fungus into the United States, shed light on broader patterns of geopolitical risk and policy blind spots.
The fungus, brought into the country without federal permits and intended for study at the University of Michigan, is known to cause severe crop disease and produce toxins harmful to both humans and livestock. One of the researchers is reportedly a member of the Chinese Communist Party.
“There is evidence that this can jump to humans and have adverse effects,” Phillips warned. “This is another alarming example of China not meeting us well. They are our geopolitical adversary, and their growing footprint in the U.S. is being revealed in situations just like this.”
Phillips also addressed the political response at the state level. While Missouri has passed legislation blocking Chinese nationals from buying farmland, Arizona’s Governor Katie Hobbs recently vetoed a similar bill, citing enforcement gaps and concerns over discrimination. Phillips was critical of the decision.
“It’s appeasement—pure and simple,” he said. “They own 370,000 acres of American farmland, much of it adjacent to sensitive military bases. We’ve already seen in Ukraine how proximity to strategic locations can be weaponized. This should not be taken lightly.”
When asked about the chances of the Arizona legislature overriding the veto, Phillips confirmed that while Republicans control both chambers, they currently lack the supermajority needed for an override.
Phillips’ remarks underscore Nestpoint’s commitment to national resilience and strategic vigilance, especially at the intersection of foreign influence and domestic security.
This segment originally aired on Real America’s Voice and can be viewed in full here.
About Nestpoint
Nestpoint, with a global footprint, and a formidable presence in Washington, D.C., is a leading government affairs, finance and private equity firm. As a strategic ally, Nestpoint transforms challenges into opportunities through its expertise in policy influence, global networks, and financial innovation, delivering customized solutions for sustained client success. Nestpoint advises multibillion-dollar companies in the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors as well as foreign nations.
