The move by Congress to push for the sale or prohibition of TikTok in the United States is just one part of a broader set of ongoing efforts aimed at thwarting the Chinese government's persistent and previously unchecked endeavours to infiltrate the core institutions of American governance and acquire and manipulate the data of its citizens, all while attempting to exert influence over its political processes. Over the years, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has adeptly exploited America's numerous freedoms and vulnerabilities, as well as gaps and inconsistencies in its regulatory framework, to achieve these objectives with increasing effectiveness. This has been made possible on a significant scale due to the failure of the American government (along with many businesses) to effectively counter the CCP's cyberattacks, theft of intellectual property, access to academic and other research, and dissemination of misinformation and disinformation campaigns. 

Both the Trump and Biden administrations-initiated efforts to counter Chinese influence, particularly in critical technology sectors highlighted in the US intelligence community's 2019 report. However, ongoing administrations must not halt progress at this point. The report identified key research areas crucial for future military and economic dominance, such as AI, gene editing, synthetic biology, 5G, and quantum computing. It highlighted America's declining lead in science and technology due to reduced funding for basic research and an overemphasis on life sciences, compared to China's significant investment in emerging technologies. 

Government and corporate funding for scientific research in the US are insufficient compared to China's investments. To maintain its scientific superiority, the US should increase funding for basic research, leveraging its top research universities and culture of innovation. Similar to the commitment made during the space race, a significant increase in funding is necessary. However, this may still not be enough to counter China's state-sponsored technology transfer efforts. 

Beijing has established a sophisticated system to acquire technology, utilising laws, databases, and incentives to exploit American innovation sources like universities, corporations, and government labs. China targets these entities by leveraging their openness and vulnerabilities, using tailored methods for each. This includes exploiting intellectual freedom at universities and offering market access and financial incentives to US corporations for technology transfer, sometimes incentivizing employees to steal intellectual property. 

China's economic growth and technological advancement rely heavily on accessing foreign technology, facilitated by state-sponsored theft through the People's Liberation Army (PLA). To supplement its budget and fund modernization efforts, the PLA operates numerous front companies in the US, including within American universities, solely dedicated to stealing and exploiting US technology. 

The increase in interrogations and deportations of Chinese students in the US reflects the evolving relationship between the US and Chinese governments. Similarly, American students in China face strict measures due to the CCP's zero tolerance for potential theft of Chinese research, technology, or secrets. As a result, American universities have become a battleground in this geopolitical contest between the two countries. 

The increase in interrogations and deportations of Chinese students in the US is a direct consequence of the CCP's ongoing campaign of intellectual property theft globally. Chinese students, if seeking someone to blame, need look no further than their own government. In response, the US government must engage in a reciprocal approach, mirroring the actions of the CCP towards American citizens. Similarly, other nations should adopt a similar stance in defending against CCP's aggressive tactics. 

Image Source:  BBC