That allows Chinese acquisition through venture investment --- causes cyber attacks on infrastructure, Chinese Mil Mod, and upends U.S. Intel-Gathering

(SOFREP is the world’s leading military news site, “China’s Stealthy Takeover: The Battle for US Tech Startups,” pg online @ https://sofrep.com/news/chinas-stealthy-takeover-the-battle-for-us-tech-startups/ //um-ef)

In today’s highly interconnected world, the battlefield is not just physical but digital. And as Uncle Sam gears up to counter potential threats, a new player has been flying under the radar: China. As they continue to expand their reach, they’re targeting US tech startups, using them as pawns in their game of global espionage. For those unfamiliar with this new-age warfare, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this cyber showdown. China’s modus operandi is simple: Invest in or acquire US tech startups. Gain access to cutting-edge technologies. Exploit them for their advantage. This strategy has allowed them to infiltrate sensitive sectors like AI, biotech, and telecommunications – areas critical to our national security. Consider the case of Alon Raphael, who cofounded a tech startup, Femtometrix. “It’s the bleeding edge of the most advanced chips that are coming out that we are applicable to,” he said. “One of the requests for the investment was to know the details of the patent portfolio.” Only until it was too late that he found out what the real agenda was. Another prime example is the Chinese acquisition of AOptix Technologies, a California-based startup specializing in iris recognition technology. This tech has precise applications in both civilian and military contexts, including border control and secure access to military installations. China could compromise US security measures and sabotage our strategic operations by getting its hands on this advanced biometric tech. Then we have another instance of Chinese influence in US startups in their investment in Neurala, a Boston-based company developing AI-powered drone technology. With its potential applications in surveillance and reconnaissance missions, this tech could be a game-changer on the battlefield. However, China’s involvement raises concerns about the possibility of reverse engineering and replicating these advanced systems, ultimately undermining our military edge. But what’s the big deal, you ask? These examples highlight a broader trend of China’s encroachment on US tech startups, posing a significant risk to our national security. As they gain access to sensitive technologies and intellectual property, China could potentially use this knowledge to advance their military capabilities, disrupt our intelligence-gathering efforts, and launch devastating cyber-attacks on our critical infrastructure.