Beijing has asked companies in the country to stay away from using American and Israeli cyber security software. Officials have cited national security related concerns behind this move. This directive has come at a time when China is rapidly pushing forward its policy of reducing dependence on foreign technology and promoting domestic technology solutions.
At the government level, it has been indicated that due to the deep technical access of some foreign cyber security products, the risk of sensitive information going outside the country could increase. China believes that the security of networks and IT systems is directly linked to national interests, so no kind of risk can be accepted in this area.
Which companies’ software has faced objections
According to sources, the companies whose products have raised concerns include America’s VMware, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet. Apart from this, questions have also been raised over the cyber security solutions of Israel’s Check Point Software Technologies.
Policy of technological self-reliance
Over the past few years, China has made self-reliance in strategic technology sectors an important part of its policies. After semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, cyber security has now also been included among these sectors.
Government institutions and large state-owned companies have already been given signals to look for alternatives to foreign hardware and software. The latest directive on cyber security software is being seen as the next step of this broader policy.
In this context, official policies of China’s cyberspace regulatory authority are also being referred to, which emphasize data security and network sovereignty. The general framework related to this is available on the website of the Cyberspace Administration of China.
Opportunity for domestic companies
This decision is expected to benefit China’s local cyber security companies. Products of companies like 360 Security Technology and Neusoft may now see wider adoption in government and private networks.
Experts say that by promoting domestic companies, China will not only be able to keep technological control in its own hands, but will also limit foreign influence over the software supply chain.
China and the US: trade and data security
This decision has come at a time when tensions already exist between China and the United States over technology, trade, and data security. Both countries have continued to accuse each other of digital espionage and technological dependence.
It is also interesting that the foreign companies whose software has been questioned have had a long presence in China. Apart from mainland China, their offices and technical support centers have been operating in Hong Kong and Macau as well.
For now, it is not clear how many companies this directive has reached and at what level its compliance will be made mandatory. But the indications are that in the coming time, China will move further in the direction of limiting foreign dependence in key technology sectors, including cyber security.
Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
