This is your Beijing Bytes: US-China Tech War Updates podcast.
Hey there, I'm Ting, and welcome to Beijing Bytes, your go-to source for the latest on the US-China tech war. Let's dive right in because the past two weeks have been a whirlwind.
First off, cybersecurity incidents have been making headlines. The Chinese government-backed hackers breached the US Treasury Department, specifically targeting the office that administers economic sanctions. Francesca Lockhart, the cybersecurity clinic program lead at the University of Texas at Austin, points out that while no classified material was breached, sensitive unclassified records were accessed. This isn't a surprise; China has a history of targeting top US officials to intercept sensitive communications and learn about sanctions[1][5].
But that's not all. The Salt Typhoon group, also linked to China, has breached nine US telecommunications providers, giving the Chinese government broad access to Americans' data and the capability to geolocate millions of individuals. Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber Anne Neuberger calls it the "most significant cyber espionage campaign in history," emphasizing the need for mandatory cybersecurity protocols and increased collaboration between government and private industry[1].
Now, let's talk about new tech restrictions. China has announced export controls on 28 US companies, including Lockheed Martin and Boeing Defense, signaling a tough start to 2025. This move is seen as a preemptive strike against the incoming Trump administration, which has promised a tougher stance on China, including blanket 60% tariffs on China-made goods[4].
The implications are significant. The US-China trade war could escalate, dragging other nations into the fray and exacerbating global economic challenges. US investors in Chinese venture capital funds are racing to comply with new rules banning investments in companies developing AI and other advanced technologies used by the People's Liberation Army (PLA)[4].
In the tech industry, companies like Apple and Microsoft are bracing for impact. The CCP is expected to restrict access to US consumer electronics within China's borders, a move that could threaten their market share. Apple currently holds a 15% share of the Chinese smartphone market, but this could change under Trump's second term[2].
So, what's next? Experts predict a renewed escalation in trade tensions, with both nations locked in a tit-for-tat trade war. The Biden administration's focus on regulation and intelligence-sharing may shift under Trump, who favors retribution. As David Sedney, former deputy assistant secretary of defense, puts it, "things are going to get much worse before they get any better."
That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates on the US-China tech war. It's Ting, signing off.
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