Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando. | AP Photo/John Raoux DeSantis and Florida GOP target China after CPAC Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and top GOP lawmakers unveiled legislation on Monday to create new guidelines for universities, state agencies and even local governments working with foreign governments like China as part of a push to thwart the theft of intellectual property. DeSantis’ move to back policies aimed at China is part of a broader pattern of endorsing legislation sparked by conservatives and former President Donald Trump that plays well with the base. The Republican governor, seen as a potential 2024 contender for president, has also called on legislators to crack down on tech companies, revamp the state’s election laws and approve a contentious bill to increase criminal penalties against violent protesters.