#221 China Could Cripple the US With the Press of a Button | Bill Holstein
Sep 25, 2023
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Guest Bill Holstein, co-author of 'Battlefield Cyber: How China and Russia are Undermining Our Military Strength,' discusses China's smokeless war against the US, how China could cripple the US with the press of a button, and how the US can fight back. Topics also include China's cyber espionage, global ambitions, the need for a Department of Digital Services, bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to the US, challenges for companies dealing with TikTok, and negative impacts of technology on democracy.
China and Russia are waging a complex cyber warfare campaign to undermine confidence in US institutions and erode democracy.
Expanding the definition of cyber warfare is crucial to understanding and countering the long-term conflicts and tactics employed by China and Russia.
The lack of cohesion and cooperation among US government agencies, as well as concerns about political consequences and relations with China, hinder an effective response to cyber attacks.
Deep dives
The Threat of Cyber Warfare by China and Russia
China and Russia are waging a complex cyber warfare campaign to undermine confidence in US institutions, steal technology, and erode democracy. Their efforts are integrated with traditional espionage and media manipulation. While cyber warfare is the heart of their successful campaign, it also includes other tactics. The Chinese Communist Party is pursuing subtle long-term conflicts, seeking to denigrate and cause crises of confidence in the US system and institutions. This campaign poses a danger to national security and democracy.
The Need to Expand the Definition of Cyber Warfare
The current definition of cyber warfare is deemed too limited. The Chinese and Russian campaign demonstrates a pattern of conflict that goes beyond kinetic war. They employ subtler strategies that aim to erode and denigrate our institutions and confidence. Understanding their strategies requires recognizing their long-term conflicts and the use of cyber as a central tactic. By expanding the definition of cyber warfare, we can better address and counter these threats.
Challenges in Responding to Cyber Attacks
The US government and American businesses face challenges in responding to cyber attacks. The lack of cohesion and cooperation among different government agencies hinders an effective response. The establishment worries that acknowledging the full extent of the threat would lead to political consequences and jeopardize relations with China. American businesses, caught between their investments in China and increasing demands from the Chinese government, seek to stabilize the situation. Complexities also arise from concerns about potential backlash against Chinese Americans. These factors contribute to a delayed and inadequate response to the ongoing cyber warfare.
China's Increasing Assertion of Power in the World
China, under Xi Jinping's leadership, has been steadily asserting its power in the world, which has led to resistance and backlash. Despite the potential advantages of a more subtle and long-term approach, Xi Jinping has chosen a brazen and aggressive strategy. This autocratic regime allows him to make all decisions without opposition. China's focus on technological advancements and cyber espionage has been a key factor in their increasing influence.
The Challenges of Addressing Chinese Cyber Espionage
Chinese cyber espionage, along with Russian cyber attacks, presents significant challenges for national security. American individuals, companies, and government institutions have all unwittingly contributed to the problem. The private sector's focus on profitability over national security has left critical IT systems vulnerable. The widespread use of Chinese-owned platforms, like TikTok, further exposes personal and national security. Addressing this issue requires a combination of sticks and carrots to incentivize private sector cooperation and secure critical industries, such as semiconductors and consumer electronics manufacturing.
The Chinese Communist Party has been waging war against the US since it came to power in 1949. Part of the problem with the US response is that it doesn't see itself as being at war with China. In this episode of China Unscripted, we discuss China's smokeless war against the US, how China could cripple the US with the press of a button, and how the US can fight back. Joining us in this episode is Bill Holstein, co-author of the new book “Battlefield Cyber: How China and Russia are Undermining Our Democracy and National Security.”
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