By Amr Gohar
Washington DC, – Congresswoman Sheri Biggs of South Carolina has introduced three new bills aimed at reducing the use of Chinese-linked technology inside U.S. defense systems, with a focus on cellular modules, advanced robotics and biotechnology.
According to a press release from Biggs’ office, the legislation is designed to address concerns over China’s use of dual-use technology — commercial technology that can also be incorporated into military capabilities.
The three bills were introduced on October 22 and include the Blocking Foreign Cellular Modules in Defense Systems Act of 2026, the Stop Beijing’s Bots Act, and the Biotech Defense Act. Congressional records show all three measures were referred to House committees for further consideration.
Biggs said the legislation is intended to strengthen the U.S. government’s ability to identify foreign technology inside defense systems and assess whether it could create national-security or supply-chain risks.
“It is essential that our national security policy continues to evolve as the Chinese Communist Party looks to achieve military-civil fusion,” Biggs said.
She said stronger assessments and mitigation efforts would help protect U.S. military personnel and critical national-security infrastructure.
One of the bills would require the Defense Department to conduct an audit of covered foreign cellular modules used across military systems and infrastructure. The legislation would require the Pentagon to identify details including manufacturers, models and firmware and report on potential mitigation measures.
The concern centers on technology that may appear commercial but could also be connected to broader Chinese military capabilities.
Biggs recently argued that cellular components, advanced robotics and biotechnology illustrate how the traditional line between civilian and military technology has become increasingly difficult to define as China pursues its military-civil fusion strategy.
Senator Jim Banks of Indiana, who has pushed similar legislation in the Senate, said the United States must identify weaknesses in military supply chains before they can be exploited by foreign adversaries.
“Communist China is working every day to undermine America’s military advantage,” Banks said. “We must identify and eliminate vulnerabilities in our defense systems and infrastructure before our adversaries can exploit them.”
Supporters of the legislation say the issue extends beyond products traditionally viewed as military equipment.
Alexandria Paolozzi Moore of FDD Action said China’s military-civil fusion strategy has increasingly blurred the distinction between private commercial companies and the country’s military establishment.
“Technology doesn’t have to be built for the battlefield to be weaponized,” Moore said.
The legislation would increase scrutiny of foreign-linked technology in three strategically important areas while requiring federal officials to identify potential risks and determine how those risks should be addressed.
The measures remain in the early stages of the legislative process and would still need congressional approval before becoming law.
Original article
Comments