Gov. Kevin Stitt put out an executive order on Thursday that puts an emphasis on cybersecurity and other vulnerable areas when it comes to China.Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.Stitt said it’s to protect Oklahomans and their tax dollars, and national security experts agree.“It’s not because they’re foreign; it’s because the companies are, in fact, directly responsive to the Community Party of China,” said Dr. James L. Regens, intelligence and national security expert.Stitt ordered the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to do yearly risk assessments and sell off anything at risk if war breaks out with China.“He’s preparing the state to audit our readiness in the event that there’s a conflict between the United States and China,” said Alexander Gray, former chief of staff for the National Security Council.National security experts said this is something Oklahomans should have on their minds.“Far better to take these steps now and potentially avoid a problem then discover that state funds are in jeopardy,” Regens said.>> Download the KOCO 5 appStitt says this is to protect our interests from foreign adversaries. Gray said it’s something other states need to do just as in-depth.“I think Gov. Stitt’s leading the country in preparing Oklahoma for the threat that’s posed by the Chinese Communist Party,” he said.The Oklahoma Democratic Party says it’s a political move.“I want to applaud the governor for taking a step to protect Oklahomans. I just wish it was more focused on protecting Oklahomans than making a statement,” said Alicia Andrews with the Oklahoma Democratic Party.Regens agrees, to an extent.“Sure, it’s political, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically bad,” he said.The order requires that the first risk assessment be done on or before Feb. 1, 2025.Top HeadlinesWoman kidnapped in Edmond has been found; suspects still at largeMan taken to hospital after road-rage shooting near downtown Oklahoma City, police sayWhat is mifepristone?Police search for suspect after man shot, killed at OKC apartment complex
OKLAHOMA CITY —
Gov. Kevin Stitt put out an executive order on Thursday that puts an emphasis on cybersecurity and other vulnerable areas when it comes to China.
Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.
Stitt said it’s to protect Oklahomans and their tax dollars, and national security experts agree.
“It’s not because they’re foreign; it’s because the companies are, in fact, directly responsive to the Community Party of China,” said Dr. James L. Regens, intelligence and national security expert.
Stitt ordered the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to do yearly risk assessments and sell off anything at risk if war breaks out with China.
“He’s preparing the state to audit our readiness in the event that there’s a conflict between the United States and China,” said Alexander Gray, former chief of staff for the National Security Council.
National security experts said this is something Oklahomans should have on their minds.
“Far better to take these steps now and potentially avoid a problem then discover that state funds are in jeopardy,” Regens said.
Stitt says this is to protect our interests from foreign adversaries. Gray said it’s something other states need to do just as in-depth.
“I think Gov. Stitt’s leading the country in preparing Oklahoma for the threat that’s posed by the Chinese Communist Party,” he said.
The Oklahoma Democratic Party says it’s a political move.
“I want to applaud the governor for taking a step to protect Oklahomans. I just wish it was more focused on protecting Oklahomans than making a statement,” said Alicia Andrews with the Oklahoma Democratic Party.
Regens agrees, to an extent.
“Sure, it’s political, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically bad,” he said.
The order requires that the first risk assessment be done on or before Feb. 1, 2025.
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