US tech enabled China’s surveillance empire. Now Tibetan refugees in Nepal are paying the price
Strategic competition with Beijing demands clarity on American commitments and economic leverage.
Nepal is just one of at least 150 countries to which Chinese companies are supplying surveillance technology, from cameras in Vietnam to censorship firewalls in Pakistan to citywide monitoring systems in Kenya.
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HjnewsHow We See It
New Republican Times Editorial Board
The recent coverage on China's surveillance technology paints a stark picture of global oppression, yet it often overlooks a critical factor: the role of American tech in facilitating this surveillance empire. While the article rightly highlights the consequences for Tibetan refugees and other marginalized groups, it underestimates the moral imperative for national security and accountability that comes into play with global business practices.
By allowing our innovative technologies to be exported without stringent regulations, we've inadvertently strengthened regimes that suppress freedom. This isn't merely a technological or economic concern; it strikes at the heart of institutional stability and the values we profess to uphold. Responsible engagement with foreign partnerships should prioritize fairness and ethical considerations, ensuring our innovations don’t empower authoritarianism abroad.
Ultimately, the principle at stake is the need for a conscious evaluation of how American ingenuity intersects with global governance. Recognizing this dynamic is essential for fostering a world that aligns with our values, rather than one that betrays them.
Commentary written with AI assistance by the New Republican Times Editorial Board.