Beijing’s ambitions for advanced technologies could give it the upper hand in healthcare and other key sectors in the United States, the US National Counter-Intelligence and Security Center said on Friday.
U.S. officials on Friday issued new warnings about China’s ambitions for artificial intelligence and a number of advanced technologies that could ultimately give Beijing a crucial military edge and possible domination over healthcare and other key sectors in the U.S.
The warnings included renewed efforts to educate executives, academics, and local and state government officials about the risks of accepting Chinese investments or expertise in key industries, officials from the National Defense and Security Center said. While the center does not intend to ask officials to refuse Chinese investments, it will encourage efforts to control intellectual property and implement security measures.
National security agencies under President Joe Biden’s administration are making an aggressive public push against China, which some officials have identified as the greatest strategic threat to the US. At the same time, the Biden administration has tried to ease some of the tensions with Beijing stemming from the administration of former US President Donald Trump and seek common ground for trade and climate change.
Beijing has repeatedly accused Washington of creating fear for its intentions and attacked US intelligence agencies for its assessments of China, including allegations that Chinese leaders withheld critical information about the coronavirus pandemic.
Under President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government formulated its goals in plans known as “Made in China 2025” to develop profitable technologies in robotics and other areas. The U.S. Department of Justice has filed several charges of theft of sensitive U.S. information on behalf of China in recent years, including vaccine research and autonomous vehicle technology.
Acting Director of the Counterintelligence Center, Michael Orlando, told reporters in a rare briefing Thursday that the US cannot afford to lose ground in several key areas: artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, quantum computers, semiconductors and biotechnology.
Orlando stated that Chinese companies and academics have an obligation to the Chinese Communist Party and must serve the Party’s interests.
“Even though we say this year after year, people don’t digest it,” he said.
Orlando declined to say whether the US should impose stricter restrictions or total bans on Chinese investment in certain sectors, saying its role is not to make policy proposals.
But the counterintelligence center holds regular briefings with the private sector and academia, while recognizing that industry and universities may still want to seek out students, experts and investors from China, Orlando said. He would not name companies with which the center met.
The Center Representative for New and Disruptive Technologies Edward You pointed out Chinese companies are investing in US and European biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
WuXi Biologics has built a vaccine manufacturing facility in Ireland since 2019, announced plans for a manufacturing facility in Massachusetts, USA, and acquired a Bayer facility in Germany. Officials did not divulge any information linking these acquisitions to Beijing’s influence, but said they were part of a broader pattern of Chinese medical companies.
Chinese companies have also offered COVID-19 test kits and genetic testing in the United States that meet federal privacy standards and other regulations, you said. But the data collected by companies with ties to China could ultimately end up in the hands of Beijing, you said.
China already has the best access to medical data of any country, you said. With its data collection and technological advances, Beijing could one day dominate healthcare and make the US completely dependent on China, he said.
“If you are President Xi,” you said, “that is the gift you always give.”
