Duval Times

Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio have sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, Laura Taylor-Kale, expressing their concerns about the proliferation of Chinese Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology in the United States. The senators have urged the Department of Defense (DOD) to take action by adding Chinese LIDAR companies to the Section 1260H Chinese Military and Military Civil-Fusion Companies List.

In their letter, the senators highlight the potential economic and national security risks posed by the sustained production and use of Chinese LIDAR. They emphasize that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to promote the global adoption of its LIDAR technology, while the People's Liberation Army (PLA) seeks to develop offensive unmanned weapons systems using Chinese LIDAR technology.

The senators point out that when Chinese LIDAR is deployed in the United States, it enables the collection of vast amounts of information on U.S. geography, human patterns, and behaviors. This reliance on Chinese LIDAR introduces significant economic and national security risks. Furthermore, Chinese LIDAR companies receive substantial funding from the Chinese government and their technology is leveraged by the PLA for military applications. These companies have also flooded the U.S. market with low-cost, heavily subsidized Chinese LIDAR, potentially allowing them to collect valuable data on Americans.

Based on publicly available information, the senators state that the PLA is using Chinese LIDAR technology to develop offensive unmanned systems that pose a risk to U.S. national security. They highlight China's "Military-Civil Fusion" (MCF) strategy, which eliminates barriers between commercial and defense sectors, and the Department of Defense's recognition of China's efforts to acquire sensitive, dual-use, and military-grade equipment through espionage activities.

The senators specifically mention Hesai, a Chinese LIDAR company listed on NASDAQ, as having a large presence in the U.S. They express concerns about Hesai supplying LIDAR to U.S. Army contractors and raise questions about the technology solutions provided by companies using Chinese LIDAR.

In their letter, Senators Scott and Rubio request answers to several questions, including the steps taken by the Department to identify and advise DOD agencies about the potential dangers of Chinese LIDAR, whether Chinese LIDAR is currently integrated into DOD autonomous systems, and the additional authorities and changes needed to address this issue effectively.

The senators conclude their letter by urging the urgent addition of Chinese LIDAR and other concerning entities to the Section 1260H List to better safeguard the nation and its interests.

The concerns raised by Senators Scott and Rubio highlight the growing anxieties surrounding the proliferation of Chinese LIDAR technology in the United States. The potential economic and national security risks associated with the use of Chinese LIDAR warrant careful consideration and action from the Department of Defense. As the United States continues to navigate the complex landscape of technological advancements, addressing the threats posed by Chinese dual-use technology becomes increasingly crucial.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/12/sens-rick-scott-marco-rubio-send-letter-to-dod-urging-action-against-chinese-lidar-proliferation