Laser Focus: Countering China's LiDAR Threat
Last updated 06:56 PM EST • Read time: 3m
Laser Focus: Countering China’s LiDAR Threat to U.S. Critical Infrastructure and Military Systems
Introduction
“Only by mastering crucial core technologies within our own hands,” said Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping, “can we [China] truly seize the initiative in competition and development, and fundamentally safeguard our national economic security, national security, and security in other domains.”1 Xi’s declaration underscores his desire to transform China into a science and technology great power, which, he argues, hinges on tightening “international production chains’ dependence on China.”2 LiDAR, a remote sensing technology with both military and civilian applications, stands at the center of Beijing’s bid for technological superiority.
Xi’s technological vision is not just an ambition — it is already materializing. Today, Chinese companies are rapidly consolidating control over the global LiDAR market, with PRC-origin sensors now widely deployed across civilian and military networks worldwide, including in the United States. These sensors often serve as essential nodes within interconnected public safety, transportation, and utility systems, which is a clear benefit to the United States. However, Chinese LiDAR’s system-wide integration also leaves its users vulnerable to espionage and sabotage, potentially enabling Beijing to access sensitive U.S. data or disrupt critical operations.
For decades, Beijing has used cyber operations to breach sensitive networks and infiltrate critical infrastructure in the U.S.3 China’s military and intelligence services could leverage Chinese-made LiDAR systems for espionage purposes, much as they have exploited the compromised communication gear sold by Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei.4 The widespread adoption of Chinese-made LiDAR technology also advances Xi’s “comprehensive national security” (总体国家安全) concept, which merges technological development with state security to enhance China’s geopolitical advantage.5 In practice, Beijing could weaponize Western reliance on Chinese-made systems by manipulating or disrupting LiDAR supply chains as it has done repeatedly with rare earth elements to pressure other countries into accepting its strategic demands.
This memo provides an overview of LiDAR technology, detailing its expanding use across the United States. Next, it examines how LiDAR operates and how China could exploit the broad adoption of PRC-made LiDAR sensors to facilitate espionage or sabotage of critical U.S. networks and infrastructure. Finally, the memo outlines actionable steps policymakers can take to prevent Chinese exploitation of LiDAR technologies and protect U.S. national security.
Countering Chinese LiDAR dominance requires integrating LiDAR into a comprehensive industrial policy that bolsters U.S. technological leadership and economic competitiveness. This approach must go beyond simply reducing reliance on untrusted vendors from foreign countries of concern. It should also focus on expanding domestic LiDAR production capacity and fostering trusted supply-chain partnerships with allied nations. Establishing and enforcing rigorous cybersecurity standards for LiDAR technology will also be essential to safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring LiDAR’s secure integration into both civilian and military networks.
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