A new report from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies highlights the growing concerns surrounding China’s increasing control over the global lidar (light detection and ranging) technology market. Lidar, which utilizes laser pulses to generate precise 3D maps of environments, is rapidly becoming a crucial technology in both civilian and military applications. The report reveals that Chinese companies have become major players in the lidar sector, with their products being widely used in critical U.S. infrastructure such as public safety, transportation, and utilities. This widespread use of Chinese-made lidar sensors has raised alarms over potential national security threats.
The primary concern is that the presence of Chinese-made lidar in U.S. infrastructure could create significant vulnerabilities. The technology, when integrated into key systems, could allow Beijing to gain access to sensitive data or even disrupt essential operations. The report draws comparisons to previous incidents, such as China’s alleged exploitation of Huawei’s communications technology, which resulted in fears of espionage and surveillance. Lidar, with its potential to gather detailed spatial data, presents similar risks by mapping everything from roads to sensitive military locations, raising the specter of surveillance and sabotage.
The U.S. government has already begun to take action. In May, Representative Elissa Slotkin introduced legislation that would prohibit the Department of Defense from purchasing Chinese-made lidar. Additionally, in September, the chairman of the House China Select Committee proposed legislation banning the Department of Transportation from acquiring equipment with Chinese lidar technology. These legislative moves reflect growing concerns over the national security implications of relying on Chinese-produced lidar, which could compromise U.S. infrastructure.
To mitigate these risks, the report advocates for the U.S. to boost domestic lidar production and partner with allied nations to secure alternative sources of the technology. The report stresses that many American and Western companies are capable of manufacturing lidar systems, which would allow the U.S. to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers. Additionally, the report calls for enhanced cybersecurity standards to ensure that lidar technology used in both civilian and military sectors is secure. As lidar plays an increasingly vital role in autonomous systems and other strategic sectors, the report emphasizes the need for swift action to address the potential vulnerabilities it poses.
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