A senior US senator has warned that American tech companies’ activities in China represent a national security risk, in a hearing that saw infosec b

Chinese cyberspies, Musk’s Beijing ties, labelled ‘real risk’ to US security by senator

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2024-11-21 20:30:04

A senior US senator has warned that American tech companies’ activities in China represent a national security risk, in a hearing that saw infosec biz CrowdStrike testify it has identified another cyber-espionage crew it believes is backed by Beijing.

The warning came from Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who chairs the Senate Committee on the Judiciary’s subcommittee on Privacy, Technology. At a Tuesday hearing titled, “Big Hacks & Big Tech: China’s Cybersecurity Threat”, the senator used his opening remarks to state “extensive economic ties and China's willingness to exploit them are a dangerous combination, a real risk to this country.”

"Tesla makes half of its cars and as much as a third of its sales in China," the senator added. "Elon Musk is so concerned about protecting Tesla's market access that he pledged to uphold 'core socialist values' in China. He has been parroting Chinese talking points on Taiwan. Senior Chinese officials are even looking to use Mr. Musk to influence the White House."

"Apple complies with China's censorship and surveillance demand because 20 percent of its sales and 80 percent of its suppliers are based in China. When forced to choose between American security and hugely profitable access to the Chinese market, Americans may doubt that SpaceX, Mr Musk, Tim Cook and other technology leaders will side with America," Blumenthal said.