The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission heard testimony Thursday that China has developed a state-driven campaign to collect American data and use it as a strategic asset in economic, political, and military spheres [1]. Experts described a coordinated effort spanning over a decade involving state and industry actors to build a foundational data and AI-driven intelligence architecture.
Joseph Lin testified that China is not merely stealing data but building "an AI-enabled intelligence and targeting architecture for economic competition, political coercion and wartime advantage." He added, "The United States is still treating this challenge far too defensively … [China] treats data as a strategic resource. It treats commercial networks as intelligence collection platforms, civilian logistic systems as potential military targets, and persistent cyber access as a form of pre-conflict positioning" [1].
Nigel Cory said China has spent over 10 years building a coordinated state-industry response that uses data as a foundation of its digital and AI economy [1]. The testimony described an ecosystem of industrial-scale cyber operations involving the military, contractors, hacker-for-hire firms, access brokers, and commercial technology companies all working together [1].
Officials warned the data collection effort could have significant effects on US society, the economy, and wartime strategy, including scenarios involving a conflict over Taiwan [1]. The testimony emphasized China’s broad approach to integrating cyber capabilities for multiple forms of strategic competition.
The commission’s hearing on Thursday brought these concerns to light amid rising tensions between the US and China over technology and cybersecurity issues [1]. The session aimed to inform policymakers about the scope and scale of China’s data-driven cyber activities.
No follow-up hearings or actions were announced at the conclusion of the testimony Thursday, but the commission remains engaged in monitoring China’s evolving cyber capabilities and their implications for US national security [1].
