Dr. James Lewis, Senior Vice President and Director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), testified before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, November 29. He expressed concern over China's role in cybersecurity and software supply chains, drawing attention to their cyber espionage activities and the implications they have for global affairs.
"The United States and its allies have now learned that when it comes to cybersecurity and software supply chains, China is not trustworthy.", said Dr. James Lewis.
Dr. James Lewis currently holds a senior position at CSIS, a non-profit policy research institute based in Washington D.C., where he offers insight into technology strategy discussions thanks to his diplomatic background and Senior Executive Service experience. His expertise spans several areas including 5G technology, software, semiconductors etc., as highlighted in his CSIS bio. He has offered advice to four UN Groups of Governmental Experts on Information Security and frequently contributes to media discussions on US-China relations. He earned his doctoral degree from the University of Chicago.
During his address to the Oversight Committee, Dr. Lewis elaborated on the complex issue presented by China's involvement in intertwined industrial and technological supply chains worldwide. He traced China's historical development from Deng Xiaoping’s time till Xi Jinping’s era emphasizing how the nation has made use of cyber espionage to fuel growth and gain global dominance. According to Dr.Lewis,"China is determinedly advancing technologically while aiming to displace the United States in terms of global positioning."
In addition, Dr. Lewis spoke about potential risks linked with extensive integration of U.S technology with that of China while also advocating for a collective multilateral approach needed for tackling such challenges effectively.He specifically talked about "de-risking" technological trade with China acknowledging complexities involved in mitigating risks while managing technological supply chains especially with an unreliable partner like China.He noted,"The United States faces other opponents,but none are as deeply intertwined with the American tech sector and none of them have the scope or wealth of China."
Finally, Dr. Lewis highlighted the ongoing shift towards more stringent regulatory measures to stay competitive with China and protect national security.
