It's Joe Biden's Technology Cold War Now
Targeted measures may be more effective than blanket bans against Chinese companies seen as threats.
Commerce Secretary-nominee Gina Raimondo seems ready to continue the hawkish tone set under Trump.
Photograph: Bloomberg
Joe Biden’s administration is being confronted with tough decisions about the technology cold war with China that took off under his predecessor. A lawsuit brought by Xiaomi Corp. presents a catalyst that his team could use to craft a new strategy that’s more effective and pragmatic for the U.S. and allies and businesses in Asia.
Xiaomi, which makes electronic gadgets including smartphones, is among dozens of names added to the various lists of sanctioned Chinese firms that grew under Donald Trump. Its offense: being among “Communist Chinese military companies,” a term defined by the Defense Department as it sees fit.2 Within days of the new president taking office, Xiaomi filed a lawsuit against Defense and the Treasury Department, alleging the move was unconstitutional.