
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) speaks during a press conference with House Republicans at the Capitol in Washington, U.S., May 7, 2024. REUTERS/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/File Photo
The recent progress of a U.S. defense spending bill in the House of Representatives this week has brought attention to a provision aimed at restricting the utilization of Chinese-manufactured lidar sensors within U.S. military systems. This measure, put forth by Representative Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, seeks to prohibit the procurement or deployment of Chinese-originated iterations of lidar technology. Lidar, functioning as a light sensor, is extensively employed in both autonomous vehicles and drones to facilitate a comprehensive three-dimensional perception of their surroundings.
Stefanik underscored the significance of the amendment in light of the escalating integration of autonomous unmanned systems within the U.S. military. In her statement, she emphasized the imperative for the United States to refrain from relying on lidar technologies originating from sources deemed untrustworthy, asserting that such reliance could compromise national security and impede the competitive edge of domestic companies.
If enacted into law, this provision would contribute to the mounting apprehension within the United States regarding Chinese-produced lidar sensors. Notably, in January, the Department of Defense designated Hesai Group, a prominent manufacturer of lidar systems in China, as one of the entities allegedly affiliated with Beijing’s military apparatus. Hesai Group has contested this designation through legal action against the Defense Department, contending that it operates autonomously from Chinese military oversight and asserting that the designation has inflicted reputational damage.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed reservations regarding the national security implications of such technologies in prior remarks to Reuters last year. Buttigieg emphasized the necessity for a deeper understanding of the ownership structures underpinning the various enterprises involved in supplying components integral to transportation systems.
COMMENTS