US Lawmaker Warns of Tech Firms' China Risks

Elon Musk's extensive ties to China are raising national security concerns among U.S. lawmakers, particularly Senator Richard Blumenthal, who emphasized the risks of American tech companies operating closely with Beijing amid rising cyber threats. Musk's Tesla relies heavily on the Chinese market, producing half of its cars there, which has led to speculation that he may be leveraged by Chinese officials to influence U.S. trade policy. Recent hearings highlighted the growing cybersecurity threats posed by China, including espionage linked to groups like Salt Typhoon, which have targeted U.S. telecommunications. Blumenthal suggested that Congress should reconsider how to safeguard U.S. interests against these vulnerabilities, including requiring transparency from companies like Tesla regarding their activities in China. Meanwhile, Germany is also grappling with its own challenges regarding China, balancing economic interests with security concerns, as highlighted by their recent summoning of the Chinese ambassador over cyberattacks. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, both American and European leaders are urged to reassess their approach to China to mitigate potential risks.