Indiana Halts Sister City Relationships with the People's Republic of China
The Hoosier State wants it's cities to prevent deep ties with foreign adversaries
If you take a stroll to the second story of the City Building, just beyond the Council Chambers, you'll encounter a vibrant display of flags representing the global connections woven into the fabric of our community. These flags are not merely decorative; they symbolize the countries where international companies have made local investments or with whom the community has fostered special relationships.
Japan emerges as a standout partner, with its businesses making substantial investments in our community for years. The building that once housed Panasonic's television division is now occupied by Clopay, and F&P America operates a sprawling complex dedicated to manufacturing car frames. Additionally, since 1990, Troy has maintained a sister city relationship with Takahashi City, Japan, enriched by numerous cultural exchanges.
Another notable connection is with the People's Republic of China. In 2010, Troy and Jiangyan Province signed a "Memorandum of Friendly Exchange," committing to mutual prosperity and development, though cultural exchanges have yet to materialize.
However, such agreements are facing new challenges from state governments. Indiana's recent legislation, House Enrolled Act 1120, signed by Governor Eric Holcomb, prohibits local governments from entering agreements with counterparts in countries deemed "foreign adversaries," including China. This law reflects growing concerns at the intersection of local cultural-economic ties and geopolitical considerations. The prosperous community of Carmel, Indiana recently ended it’s long relationship with Xiangyang, China.
Locally, the impact of Chinese investments is undeniable. Fuyao transformed the old General Motors assembly plant in Moraine into an auto glass manufacturing hub, and Semcorp is establishing a significant facility in Sidney, with backing from Temasek Holdings, a company owned by the Government of Singapore.
Despite geopolitical tensions, Troy remains committed to its "Memorandum of Friendly Exchange" with China, signaling openness to foreign investment. Yet, this international engagement underscores a delicate balance: while foreign investments bring economic benefits, they also increase our community's dependence on decisions made far beyond our local boardrooms.
In other words, the Five-Star Red Flag of China isn’t leaving City Hall anytime soon.
Thanks for reading today’s Civic Capacity Newsletter! Did you know for less than $1 per week you can support this effort to bring local news and information directly to you and your neighbors. If you have not considered being a paid subscriber to this effort, please do so.
Also, feel free to share this infromation with your friends and neighbors. Through informing and educating our community’s stakeholders, we are creating a stronger community.