U.S. Lawmaker Seeks Ban on Chinese Lidar in Cars and Infrastructure
A U.S. lawmaker has proposed legislation to phase out Chinese-made lidar sensors from self-driving vehicles and critical infrastructure, citing national security concerns that such technology could be remotely hacked or disabled from space during a conflict.
Bill Targets Chinese Dominance in Lidar Technology
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois and the ranking member of the House Select Committee on China, introduced the bill earlier this week. The proposed legislation aims to restrict the use of Chinese lidar systems—laser-based sensors that create three-dimensional maps for autonomous vehicles and other applications, including ship-to-shore cranes at U.S. ports.
Under the bill, federal and private entities would be prohibited from purchasing new Chinese-made lidar systems after three years, although limited waivers could be granted for scientific or cybersecurity research. A five-year transition period would be allowed for phasing out existing equipment used in critical infrastructure.
Security Concerns Over Potential Cyber Risks
National security experts have warned that Chinese lidar devices could pose a cybersecurity threat, particularly during a geopolitical conflict. Analysts fear such sensors could be remotely disabled by satellites, effectively paralysing U.S. systems such as transport networks or energy pipelines within seconds.
Craig Singleton, senior China fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, compared the risk to past controversies surrounding Chinese telecommunications company Huawei. “We don’t need a Huawei-on-wheels moment,” he said, adding that Chinese lidar is already embedded in U.S. infrastructure, from autonomous vehicles to industrial inspection systems.
Chinese Firms Lead Global Market
The lidar market has seen rapid expansion, with Chinese firms emerging as dominant players. According to consulting firm Yole Group, Chinese manufacturers now account for 93% of lidar sensors used in passenger vehicles and 89% of the global lidar market overall.
While U.S. companies such as Ouster and Aeva Technologies are competing for market share, the dominance of Chinese firms—particularly Shanghai-based Hesai Group—has raised strategic concerns in Washington. The U.S. Department of Defense has already listed Hesai on a roster of entities alleged to have links to the Chinese military. Although Hesai challenged the designation in court, it lost the case.
Strengthening U.S. Technological Independence
Krishnamoorthi said the measure is intended to ensure American leadership in lidar innovation and prevent potential vulnerabilities in key sectors. “America and our allies should lead in lidar innovation—not cede control of this critical technology to foreign adversaries who will use their control to endanger Americans,” he said.
If enacted, the legislation would mark another step in the United States’ broader effort to secure supply chains and reduce dependence on Chinese technology in strategic industries.
with inputs from Reuters
