Kathrine Frich
A U.S. cybersecurity entrepreneur, says Americans are installing the threat with their own hands.
A U.S. cybersecurity entrepreneur, says Americans are installing the threat with their own hands.
China’s Tech Infiltration Raises Alarms in the West
Security experts are raising fresh concerns about Chinese technology embedded in Western infrastructure.
They warn China could use hidden software in imported systems to shut down power, water, and communications.
The concern is no longer theoretical, investigations have found “kill switches” and hidden backdoors in real-world products already in use.
US Grids and Pipelines Vulnerable to Shutdown
Investigators have uncovered Chinese-made equipment with the ability to disrupt or disable key infrastructure.
That includes power inverters in solar farms, Wi-Fi chips in security cameras, and smart transformers.
These components, experts say, could allow Beijing to remotely disrupt electrical grids or pipeline systems with the flip of a switch.
Surveillance Cameras and Robot Dogs Raise Red Flags
Among the most alarming finds was a backdoor in Unitree’s robotic “Go1” dogs, which connected silently to servers in China.
The robots could be remotely accessed, including their cameras.
Video surveillance systems by Hikvision and Dahua were also found to transmit data back to Chinese servers, prompting calls for bans and investigations.
Chinese Cranes Could Track U.S. Military Cargo
Shipping cranes from China-based ZPMC are used in several American ports, including those handling military equipment.
These cranes are equipped with advanced sensors and tracking tools that could be manipulated to gather intelligence on cargo movements.
Officials warn this could hand Beijing a strategic advantage in case of conflict.
Experts Say China Could Trigger Blackouts
Power inverters, used in solar and wind installations, are now seen as possible tools of sabotage.
With remote override capability, these systems could be disabled en masse.
This could trigger regional or even national blackouts, especially in areas with heavy reliance on renewable energy.
China’s Tech Giants Serve the Party
Most large Chinese tech firms receive state funding and are required to support the Communist Party.
Many have government officials on their boards.
Experts say it’s not just commercial equipment that’s at risk, these companies are part of China’s strategic efforts to undermine Western dominance.
“We’re Importing the Trojan Horse,” Experts Warn
Arnie Bellini, a U.S. cybersecurity entrepreneur, says Americans are installing the threat with their own hands.
Despite warnings, many companies continue to import cheaper Chinese components.
“We’re building our infrastructure with enemy tech,” Bellini warns. “We’ve opened the gates and rolled the Trojan horse right in.”
