National Security

China’s Ministry of State Security warns of increasing cybersecurity threats from hidden “backdoors” in foreign-made technology. These backdoors, either intentionally embedded or unwittingly created, can grant unauthorized access for espionage, potentially turning everyday devices into tools for remote surveillance and data theft. The Ministry urges vigilance, advocating for domestically developed technology and robust security protocols to mitigate these risks and protect national security.

Canada ordered Hikvision Canada to cease operations within 120 days, citing national security concerns. Hikvision and China strongly condemned the move, calling it discriminatory and harmful to economic cooperation. This action reflects geopolitical tensions and the scrutiny faced by Chinese tech companies in Western markets regarding national security and data privacy, further complicating global trade.

In a legal dispute between Micron and YMTC, Micron is fighting to avoid handing over 73 pages of 3D NAND technology documents to the Chinese company. Micron, citing national security concerns due to YMTC’s placement on the US entity list, considers the court’s decision to grant YMTC access to the documents flawed. The conflict began in November 2023 with YMTC alleging patent infringement.

The Trump administration implemented new travel restrictions targeting 19 countries, citing concerns about border security and visa overstays. Twelve nations face a complete entry ban, while seven others have partial restrictions. These measures, part of the “Make America Great Again” agenda, are likely to face legal challenges and diplomatic criticism due to their potential impact on specific populations. Exemptions exist for certain individuals.

The United States has reportedly restricted exports of crucial technologies to China, impacting key sectors like aerospace and semiconductors. The restrictions, impacting the development of the COMAC C919 aircraft, are seen by Beijing as an overreach of national security concerns. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the US actions, emphasizing its commitment to international norms in its export controls and advocating for dialogue and cooperation.