Tightrope walk

The hidden cost of Chinese tech

In this text I’m using Poland as an example, because this is my backyard and this is where I support business. But it applies to any country that cooperates technologically with China in any way.

Poland’s relationship with China is a bit of a high-wire act. The lure of Chinese investment, access to massive markets, and the promise of cutting-edge technology are powerful incentives for closer ties. It’s easy to see why Poland is interested – who wouldn’t want a boost to their economy and a leap forward in technological development? But here’s the crucial thing: this pursuit of economic and technological advancement comes with some serious cybersecurity risks, and these risks are often downplayed, misunderstood, or simply ignored. It’s like walking that high wire without a safety net – you’re focused on the potential reward, but you’re not paying enough attention to the very real possibility of a fall.

The common narrative surrounding Polish-Chinese relations often focuses on the potential for mutual benefit. "Win-win" is a phrase you hear a lot. And sure, there are real benefits to be had. But what often gets missed (even by the professionals) is that in today’s interconnected world, technology and security are two sides of the same coin. You can’t just grab the shiny new gadget or sign the lucrative deal without carefully considering who built it, how it works, and what they might be able to do with it. It’s not just about stopping the occasional hacker; it’s about protecting Poland’s long-term interests, ensuring its digital sovereignty, and making sure it doesn’t become overly reliant on any single nation for its critical infrastructure.

Think about it: we live in a world where everything is connected. Our power grids, our hospitals, our financial systems – they all rely on complex networks of hardware and software. And a lot of that technology comes from China. Now, everyone’s worried about Huawei and 5G, and that’s a valid concern. But here’s the catch: fixating on one company or one technology can blind you to the bigger picture. It’s like focusing on one tree in a forest and missing the wildfire raging through the rest of the woods. The real trouble often comes from the less obvious stuff, the vulnerabilities hidden deep within the complex web of global supply chains.

Think about all the different companies, big and small, that make the parts for your computers, your phones, your network routers. A lot of that stuff comes from China. And if even one tiny piece, one seemingly insignificant microchip or software component, has a hidden flaw, a backdoor, it can open up the whole system to vulnerabilities. It’s like a chain – it’s only as strong as its weakest link. And with global supply chains being so incredibly complex and opaque, it’s really hard to know where every single link comes from, let alone whether it’s secure.

Then there’s the data issue, which is huge. We’re talking about cloud services, data centers, all the stuff that keeps our digital world running. Lots of that involves Chinese companies. Now, different countries have different laws and regulations about data, and there’s a real worry that data stored in China could end up being accessed by the Chinese government. That’s a big deal, especially for businesses dealing with sensitive information, whether it’s personal data, trade secrets, or national security information. It’s not just about following the rules; it’s about maintaining control of your data, understanding where it’s going, and making sure it’s safe from unauthorized access.

And it doesn’t stop there. Even cybersecurity companies from China raise some eyebrows. They might be good at what they do, but they’re also closely tied to the Chinese state. So, you have to wonder, could they be pressured to share information with Chinese intelligence agencies? Could they be used for more than just defense? These are tough questions, but they’re questions that Poland needs to ask, and answer, before it gets too deeply entangled.

So, what’s the solution? Well, there’s no magic bullet, no easy fix. Poland needs a comprehensive strategy, one that acknowledges the risks and takes concrete steps to mitigate them. This means diversifying where it gets its tech, not putting all its eggs in one basket. It means strengthening its own cybersecurity rules and regulations, making sure they’re up to the task of protecting against modern threats. It means working closely with allies and partners, sharing information about threats and coordinating responses. And it means investing in its own cybersecurity expertise, training up a new generation of cybersecurity professionals who can defend against these complex challenges. It’s a delicate balancing act: getting the economic benefits of working with China without putting Poland’s security, its data, and its digital sovereignty at risk. It’s a tough challenge, but it’s one that no one can afford to ignore.