Intelligence officials on Friday issued new warnings about China‘s ambitions, saying it was collecting genetic data from around the world as part of a technological push that could give it a decisive military edge and dominance over the American healthcare sector.
A report by the National Counterintelligence and Security Center painted an alarming picture of the risks for businesses and universities in accepting Chinese investment or offers of expertise.
It is the latest in a series of forecasts that the U.S. risks being left behind as China forges ahead with research.
Edward You, the center’s officer for emerging and disruptive technologies, pointed out that Chinese companies were investing in U.S. and European biotechnology and pharmaceutics.
They were also offering genetic testing and COVID-19 test kits, he said, gathering data that could ultimately end up in Beijing’s hands.
With its data collection and advancements in technology, Beijing could one day be dominant in health care and leave the U.S. wholly dependent on China, he said.
‘If you’re President Xi,’ he said, ‘that’s the gift that keeps on giving.’
The counterintelligence center’s acting director, Michael Orlando, told reporters that the U.S. ‘can’t afford to lose’ ground to China in several key areas: artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, quantum computing, semiconductors and biotechnology.
He said Chinese businesses and academics were required to serve the interests of the Chinese Communist Party.
‘Although we’ve been saying this for year after year, people are not digesting this,’ he said.
The warning comes soon after reports that China tested a hypersonic missile and after key Pentagon officials left their posts saying they feared the U.S. was being left behind.
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