US must take proactive approach to counter China

The Chinese Communist Party has aggressively expanded its influence beyond China’s borders, posing a significant and evolving threat to US national security, economic interests and global stability. This expansion is not limited to traditional military or economic competition, it also extends into espionage, cyberwarfare, strategic infrastructure control and influence operations.

Recent reports from the US House Committee on Homeland Security highlight the increasing threats posed by China’s espionage activities, especially on American soil. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security has raised alarms about Chinese-made internet-connected cameras that could be exploited for surveillance.

At the same time, China’s growing control over strategic maritime chokepoints, particularly the Panama Canal, presents serious risks to global trade and American geopolitical interests. These developments demand urgent attention and decisive action from policymakers in Washington to counteract Beijing’s encroachments.

One of the most persistent threats from China is its extensive espionage operations. The FBI has long warned about relentless Chinese efforts to infiltrate American institutions, steal critical information and undermine national security. Beijing’s intelligence services operate through various methods, including recruiting insiders, cyber intrusions and economic espionage.

A key example is the “Thousand Talents Plan,” a program designed to recruit scientists, researchers and professionals worldwide, often encouraging them to transfer valuable intellectual property back to China. This strategy has led to the theft of cutting-edge technologies, including in defense, artificial intelligence and biotechnology, eroding America’s competitive advantage. According to the FBI, China benefits from more than 80 percent of all economic espionage cases in the US.

Furthermore, espionage is not limited to the economic sphere. In recent years, Chinese intelligence agencies have attempted to infiltrate various levels of government, from local to federal, targeting politicians, business leaders and even military officials. These efforts undermine decision-making processes, influence policy debates and gather intelligence on the nation’s defense strategies.

China’s cyber capabilities present another major challenge to America’s national security. Cyber intrusions by Chinese state-sponsored hackers have been responsible for some of the largest data breaches in US history. These attacks target both government agencies and private sector companies, aiming to obtain sensitive information that could benefit Beijing’s military and economic ambitions.

As mentioned, the Department of Homeland Security this month issued a warning about Chinese-manufactured cameras being used for espionage. These cameras, which are installed in critical infrastructure such as power plants, transportation hubs and government buildings, could be exploited to conduct surveillance on key facilities. The concern is that these devices might allow China to gather intelligence on US infrastructure vulnerabilities, which could be exploited in future cyber or physical attacks.

Chinese cyberattacks are not only focused on intelligence gathering but also on disrupting essential services. China-linked hacking groups have been implicated in attacks targeting American water systems, energy grids and hospitals.

Another serious challenge is the expansion of Chinese control over strategic maritime chokepoints and one of the most alarming developments of recent years is Beijing’s growing influence over the Panama Canal. This canal is one of the world’s most critical trade routes, serving as a key passage for global shipping and a substantial portion of US trade. Although the canal remains under the Panamanian administration, Chinese state-owned enterprises have secured significant stakes in port operations on both the Atlantic and Pacific sides. These investments have raised concerns in Washington that China could leverage its position to control, monitor or disrupt the flow of global commerce.

The US has historically maintained strong relations with Panama, ensuring the canal remains neutral and open to international trade. However, China’s increasing foothold in the region raises strategic concerns. If tensions between Washington and Beijing escalate, China could exert influence over Panama to restrict US naval operations or disrupt the movement of American goods. Given that more than 70 percent of cargo passing through the canal is either coming from or going to America, any disruption could have catastrophic effects on its economy.

Additionally, Chinese investments in ports throughout Latin America contribute to a broader strategy of gaining influence over key maritime trade routes. By controlling crucial points in the Western Hemisphere, China enhances its ability to project power, gather intelligence and challenge US dominance in global trade.

Beyond these two vital operations, China has engaged in transnational repression and influence operations inside America. Chinese security agencies have reportedly been operating secret police stations in major cities, including New York, to monitor and intimidate Chinese dissidents living abroad. These stations, disguised as cultural or business centers, are used to harass critics of the Chinese Communist Party and coerce individuals into silence or even forcibly repatriate them to China.

The House Committee on Homeland Security has documented numerous instances of Chinese authorities attempting to influence local US politics. These efforts include funding political campaigns, spreading disinformation and leveraging business investments to gain sway over American politicians.

The influence of the communist government also extends into academia, where Confucius Institutes, Chinese government-backed educational programs, have been accused of promoting the party’s propaganda on university campuses. Many of these programs have faced scrutiny and closures due to concerns over intellectual property theft, censorship and interference in academic freedom.

China-linked hacking groups have been implicated in attacks targeting American water systems, energy grids and hospitals.

Dalia Al-Aqidi

To counter these growing threats, Washington must take decisive action. Strengthening cybersecurity is crucial to protect critical systems from Chinese intrusions, while cracking down on economic espionage requires stricter regulations on research collaborations and foreign investments. Reducing reliance on Chinese technology by boosting domestic manufacturing will also minimize vulnerabilities.

At the same time, Congress must increase oversight of strategic assets, especially in ports and telecommunications, while working with allies to counter China’s regional influence. Meanwhile, exposing the Chinese Communist Party’s influence in politics, academia and business is equally vital.

Finally, given China’s expanding military presence, reinforcing US naval power in key regions is essential. A proactive strategy is the only way for America to protect its national security and maintain global leadership.

• Dalia Al-Aqidi is executive director at the American Center for Counter Extremism.