Witnessing the U.S. Senate Committees on Finance, Defense, and Treasury confirmation hearings was an
eye-opening experience. The hearings provided a unique insight into the mindset of U.S. lawmakers. It
became evident that the U.S. considers itself entitled to maintain global dominance, and any perceived
threat—whether real or fictitious—is met with the full force of its military and economic power to
sustain its hegemony. Often, this is justified by creating largely unfounded reasons to designate a nation
as an adversary and using all means to undermine it.
These hearings reflected a stark reality: the U.S. has now declared China its ultimate adversary and is
prepared to use all available means to obstruct China's progress and development. During the
discussions, senators explicitly acknowledged China’s expanding dominance in digital infrastructure,
cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and cloud computing. While citing reports—albeit
without tangible or logical evidence—the committee raised concerns, framing China’s investments in
these technologies as serious threats to U.S. national security, economic stability, and global
technological leadership.
A notable aspect of the discussion was the committee’s acknowledgment of China’s alleged ability to
infiltrate various U.S. government agencies, financial institutions, and corporate databases. They cited
the December 8th cyberattack on the U.S. Treasury Department as an example, claiming it highlighted
Beijing’s capacity to breach critical infrastructure. However, no conclusive evidence was presented to
prove that China or any of its companies were responsible for the attack. Investigations did not rule out
the possibility that U.S. companies, Russia, or even a European entity could have been involved.
Moreover, given that China’s exports to the U.S. are already at an all-time high, there would be little
incentive for China to resort to illegal cyber activities, making such accusations appear politically
motivated rather than factually substantiated.
The committee also admitted and acknowledged the dependence of the U.S. and its allies on Chinese
cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure, particularly recognizing the dominance of
Chinese tech giants such as Huawei, Alibaba, and Tencent over a significant portion of global cloud
services.
The hearing also highlighted China's aggressive investments in artificial intelligence, quantum
computing, and blockchain technology, aimed at positioning China as a global leader in digital
innovation. The committee specifically noted China’s advancements in AI systems, particularly in facial
recognition and predictive analytics, acknowledging their exceptional capabilities.
Furthermore, the committee acknowledged China’s dominance in 5G infrastructure, particularly praising
the expertise of Chinese firms like Huawei and ZTE in mastering cost-effective and high-standard 5G
technology. Additionally, lawmakers addressed the potential for these platforms to exercise digital
censorship and manipulation to influence global digital platforms, suppress political discourse, and
spread disinformation. While expressing admiration for their technological advancements, the
committee also voiced concerns that data stored on these corporations' controlled systems could
potentially be used for surveillance, espionage, data theft, and digital manipulation.
‘‘Finally, the committee discussed the formation of a “Digital NATO,” involving collaboration with
European, Japanese, and Australian partners to create secure data-sharing agreements, strengthen
cyber defenses, and forge a coalition with like-minded nations. The goal would be to establish
international standards for cybersecurity and prevent the expansion of Chinese-controlled digital
networks.
If these arguments are accepted, then the same logic would also apply to American and European
companies, which have been providing similar technological solutions to many countries worldwide.
Committee members were well aware that any technology developed anywhere in the world inherently
possesses dual-use potential. However, this does not mean that, based on such unfounded fears,
technology-providing countries should retreat into isolation and cease sharing technological
advancements with the rest of the world.
The reality is that the U.S.-based GPS, internet, communication, and social media platforms have
penetrated nearly every corner of the globe and also possess dual-use capabilities. At any given time,
these technologies could be leveraged to undermine the security and sovereignty of other nations.
Therefore, singling out China’s technological infrastructure while ignoring the broader global context
appears to be a selective and politically motivated stance rather than one rooted in objective security
concerns.
Though the members of the committee expressed strong hostility toward China’s unprecedented rise,
many of the fears they articulated lacked logical reasoning and were based on unfounded concerns.
They overestimated China’s capabilities, as well as its aims and objectives. In reality, China's track record
presents a starkly different picture.
China’s rise in economic, financial, technological, and innovation sectors has been driven primarily by
the goal of improving the living standards of its people and those of its partner countries. It has focused
on providing cost-effective technological solutions to its own citizens and the rest of the world.
Historically, Chinese leadership has demonstrated no intent or compulsion to undermine any other
country—particularly the United States, which remains China’s most significant and valuable economic
partner.
China’s engagement with the global community is rooted in a vision of mutual benefit, aiming to create
win-win outcomes for itself and its partners without questioning their intent or objectives. China’s
strength does not lie in forming alliances against other nations but rather in fostering cooperative
relationships that drive the best possible outcomes for all parties involved. Unlike NATO or the European
Union, where strict membership conditions apply, China’s platforms remain open and inclusive,
welcoming any country willing to collaborate without imposing rigid prerequisites.
Perhaps China's only "crime" is that it has developed a level of industrial, economic, and technological
strength that was previously assumed to be the exclusive domain of the United States and its European
allies. It may be time for the U.S. to reconsider its approach of creating adversaries—especially when
other nations have no inherent desire to be positioned as enemies. The U.S. has often forced nations
into adversarial roles by artificially constructing conflicts, leaving them with no choice but to engage in
rivalries they did not seek. While such confrontations may provide momentum to the U.S.
system—which thrives in opposition—it has historically been counterproductive to both America and
the countries it designates as threats. The U.S. should consider dissolving NATO, which has historically
played a significant role in waging wars that could have been avoided, rather than creating a "Digital
NATO."
Mr. Qamar Bashir is Press Secretary to the President (Rtd), Former Press Minister at Embassy of
Pakistan to France and Former MD, SRBC. He is living in Macomb, Detroit, Michigan
