23rd Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Cybersecurity
Mr. N. MacDonnell asserted that China perceives itself as engaged in a strategic conflict with the United States and its allies, motivated by economic, geopolitical, and military aspirations. He referenced statements from former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, positing that China’s technological innovation deficiencies necessitate the acquisition of foreign technology to attain global supremacy. MacDonnell delineated two significant space-based initiatives: a satellite-powered global e-commerce network interconnected with the Belt and Road Initiative, and a long-term solar power satellite system designed to provide energy from space, thereby strengthening economic and political ties with developing nations. MacDonnell further cautioned that China advances its objectives through military-civil fusion under President Xi Jinping, cyber activities, foreign investments, joint ventures, and strategic acquisitions that facilitate technology transfer. He concluded that without stringent controls and coordinated international action to curtail critical technology flows, China will persist in narrowing innovation gaps and expanding its global influence.
