Lawmakers Ask Commerce Department to Address China’s Poaching of US Innovations

Sens. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., are asking the Department of Commerce to use its authority to protect U.S.-made technological innovations from the Chinese government’s poaching efforts.

In a letter sent to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, the lawmakers expressed their concern about the government’s lack of action on preventing adversaries from gaining access to capital, data, talent and technology, especially those vital in critical technology sectors. Among their fears is China’s plan to use biotechnology to advance its military capabilities and undermine U.S. national security.

The senators urged the department adopt an export-control regime and impose controls on sharing ideas originating in the U.S., Warner’s office said.

The Commerce Department has been working to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of technological innovation, especially when it concerns national security. In late February, it issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking to address security concerns over foreign governments’ access to technology used in connected vehicles.