Buying large chunks of U.S. real estate didn't work out too well for the Japanese in the 1980s, when we had a large trade deficit with them. Much of it was eventually sold at a steep discount from the original purchase price.
I don’t think buying is part of whats being discussed. US Govt taking and then transferring ownership.
I’ll see if I can find a link.
http://www.wnd.com/2013/01/china-poised-to-play-debt-card-for-u-s-land/
Not the best source but this is what I was referring too.