SE North Carolina News

Washington, D.C. - A group of seven senators, led by Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), has sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, urging the Pentagon to fulfill its obligation to publish the names of "Chinese military companies" operating in the United States. This request is in accordance with Section 1260H of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.

The letter, also co-signed by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), expresses concerns over the Department of Defense's failure to comply with the legislation.

In the letter, the senators highlight the importance of countering China's Military-Civil Fusion strategy, which aims to break down barriers between civilian research and commercial sectors and the military and defense industrial sectors. They raise concerns about China's acquisition of intellectual property, key research, and technological advancements from global citizens, researchers, scholars, and private industry to advance its military objectives.

The senators emphasize the need for transparency and reciprocity in international science and technology collaboration and fair global business practices. They argue that the public release of the "Chinese military companies" list is crucial for U.S. and international companies to be aware of specific Chinese entities that are supporting China's military ambitions.

The senators also request a briefing from the Department of Defense on why the list was not produced in 2023, as mandated by Section 1260H of the FY2021 NDAA. They also seek an update on the process for determining how the Department of Defense develops, updates, and publishes the list.

This letter underscores the senators' commitment to addressing the threat posed by China's military expansion and the need to safeguard U.S. national security interests. By urging the publication of the "Chinese military companies" list, they aim to raise awareness among U.S. and international companies about the entities involved in supporting China's military modernization goals.

The senators' call for transparency and accountability is a bipartisan effort to protect the trust, transparency, and shared values that underpin international collaborations in science and technology, as well as fair global business practices.