America has to respond with a united front to China’s massive economic warfare

China conducts systematic intellectual property theft campaign against America using cyber-espionage and commercial access, threatening U.S. technological leadership.

David R. Shedd is former acting director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency. He is co-author with Andrew Badger of the book, "The Great Heist: China’s Epic Campaign to Steal America’s Secrets." (HarperCollins)

This danger stems not only from China’s relentless pursuit of American know-how and data — evidenced by high-profile cases such as the indictment of Chinese nationals for cyber-espionage against U.S. companies — but also from the uncomfortable reality that America has, to a significant extent, enabled this IP larceny through investments and insufficient controls. The consequences of such actions cannot be overstated; they reverberate through every facet of national security and economic competitiveness. 

While the U.S. has been entangled in protracted conflicts in the Middle East, the CCP has pursued a "whole-of-society" approach to national rejuvenation. The 2017 National Intelligence Law requires all Chinese organizations and citizens to support, assist and cooperate with state intelligence work, raising concerns about the security of joint ventures and technology transfers.