China’s cybersecurity laws may be used to block US tech firms on national security grounds, says expert
- The draft measures have been released online for public feedback until June 24
- They were published amid escalating trade war tensions between Beijing and Washington
China has highlighted “secure and controllable” technology in the country’s critical information infrastructure in a new draft of cybersecurity regulation, sparking speculation that the rule could be used as a retaliatory tool to block US technology companies on the grounds of national security.
In a draft Cybersecurity Review Measures document published on Friday by China’s Cyberspace Administration, operators of the country’s critical information infrastructure, including major telecommunications network operators and financial service providers, would be required to evaluate the national security risk when purchasing foreign products and services.
“China could use [the draft regulation] to block US tech purchases on the basis of national security,” said Samm Sacks, cybersecurity policy and China digital economy fellow at New America, a non-partisan think tank in the US.
“This appears to be responding to new far-reaching US government powers introduced in the executive order.”
The executive order she referred to was issued by US President Donald Trump, restricting American hi-tech purchases by “foreign adversaries” that are deemed a national security risk
The draft regulation was published amid escalating trade war tensions between Beijing and Washington.