US lawmakers and security officials have raised concerns about China’s increasing use of espionage, cyber intrusions, and economic tactics to target US states and critical infrastructure. They emphasized that local governments are now crucial in the country’s counterintelligence efforts. The House Intelligence Committee was informed that foreign intelligence threats have expanded beyond Washington, with states, cities, universities, and businesses on the frontline of safeguarding national security.
Committee Chairman Rick Crawford highlighted China’s comprehensive strategy that goes beyond traditional espionage. He mentioned Beijing’s utilization of legal investments, supply chains, research partnerships, cyber intrusions, influence operations, and economic coercion to gain advantages. Crawford warned that China’s actions often aim to stay below the threshold of armed conflict, making the US homeland a contested domain.
Lawmakers discussed cyber campaigns like Volt Typhoon, which have demonstrated adversaries’ capabilities within critical infrastructure and telecommunications networks. They stressed the need for increased public awareness regarding threats to freedom and security. Cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities was deemed essential to address these challenges effectively.
Ranking Member Jim Himes emphasized that states are at the forefront of counterintelligence efforts and called for a balanced approach to countering foreign threats while protecting civil liberties. Mike Sena, President of the National Fusion Center Association, highlighted the targeting of state and local entities by foreign intelligence services, including China, Russia, and Iran. He urged for improved information sharing and resources to enhance counterintelligence capabilities.
Jay Mosley, Director of the Alabama Fusion Center, underscored the importance of collaborative relationships between local, state, and federal agencies in identifying potential security risks. State Representative Daniel Alvarez from Florida emphasized the need for states to take a proactive role in homeland security. Nebraska state Senator Eliot Bostar discussed legislative actions to address national security risks related to telecommunications equipment and called for enhanced coordination between Congress and state governments.
