US says Beijing collecting genetic, medical data worldwide
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BETHESDA (Maryland) • Chinese businesses are collecting genetic data from around the world, part of an effort by the Chinese government and companies to develop the world's largest bio-database, American intelligence officials have reported.
The National Counterintelligence and Security Centre said in a paper released on Friday that the United States needs to better secure critical technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors and other technologies related to the so-called bioeconomy.
China and other countries are trying to dominate these technologies and are using both legal and illegal means to acquire US know-how, said Mr Michael Orlando, the acting director of the counter-intelligence centre, which is part of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
The US private sector has long been in the cross hairs of China and other countries trying to steal American technology and intellectual property. Other countries like Russia also remain a threat, but the economic might of China makes it the biggest threat, officials said.
Officials are also stressing the intersection of technology and genetic and biological research as an area of rivalry and espionage.
Mr Edward You, the US national counterintelligence officer for emerging and disruptive technologies, said the Chinese government is collecting medical, health and genetic data around the world.
The country that builds the best database of information will have an edge in the development of cures for future pandemics, and China already has an advantage, he said.
Beijing has a track record of misusing genetic data, the counterintelligence centre said, citing a 2019 New York Times report on how China uses genetic tests to track members of the Uighurs, a predominantly Muslim minority group.
The US private sector has long been in the cross hairs of China and other countries trying to steal American technology and intellectual property. Other countries like Russia also remain a threat, but the economic might of China makes it the biggest threat, officials said.
Citing a Reuters report, Mr You said a Chinese company, BGI, had developed a neonatal genetic test with China's military that had enabled it to collect information from millions of people worldwide. The company gained a foothold in the US in 2013 when it bought an American genomics business.
NYTIMES
