While Americans Cheer Taylor Swift, China Quietly Advances Its Grip on U.S. Infrastructure
As Americans were rightfully celebrating Taylor Swift’s surprise performance in Nashville — a feel-good moment of music, charity, and sports unity — another, far less visible story continues to unfold beneath the surface: China’s strategic encroachment on America’s technological, economic, and national security foundations.
Swift’s appearance at the Tight End University charity event was a moment of joy, marking her first performance since reclaiming control of her music catalog. It highlighted the American spirit — reclaiming ownership, standing tall after corporate battles, and giving back through community and music. Yet while Swift sings about shaking off the past, America cannot afford to "shake off" the present danger posed by the Chinese Communist Party’s influence campaigns.
While fans cheered in Nashville, Chinese-owned companies continued expanding their footprint in U.S. logistics hubs, data centers, and farmland. These purchases are not coincidental — they’re strategic. From ports near military bases to land near sensitive infrastructure, China is positioning itself closer to America’s critical systems. Even within the realm of entertainment, TikTok — owned by Beijing-based ByteDance — remains a potent tool for shaping narratives, collecting data, and influencing culture, particularly among young Americans.
Events like Swift’s benefit concert reinforce national pride, unity, and support for worthy causes like Kelce’s 87 and Running Foundation. But they must not distract from the growing need for vigilance. The CCP thrives when Americans are focused elsewhere — be it through sports, celebrity culture, or internal political division. While Americans watch Super Bowls and cheer Grammy performances, Beijing watches the weaknesses in our supply chains, the divides in our media landscape, and the gaps in our legislation.
This is not a call to give up joy or cultural celebration — far from it. But as we celebrate iconic artists like Taylor Swift standing up for ownership and authenticity, we must demand the same from our nation: ownership of our data, protection of our industries, and the courage to confront a geopolitical rival that does not play by the same rules.
So as Swift tells us to “shake it off,” maybe we should — but shake off complacency, not concern. The threats facing the U.S. from China are not always loud or obvious. But they are real — and growing.
