A recent article in The New York Times states that Russia and China are finding ways to circumvent U.S. sanctions and purchase high-tech goods made in the United States.
Together with its allies, the United States produces state-of-the-art tools for precision metal processing and semiconductor manufacturing. Due to the tense international situation, the United States, together with its allies, is trying to prevent adversaries from using these tools to produce weapons, as this undermines America's military advantage.
The article provides examples of a comprehensive approach to strengthening control over compliance with the rules for the sale of high-tech products, taking into account sanctions, and preventing the misuse of high-tech equipment for military purposes.
- Mandatory installation of location devices
Equipment manufacturers must install unobstructed location devices in their products, similar to those used in the Apple AirTag. This will enable the Department of Commerce to check the location of equipment in real-time.
- Automatic shutdown when transmitting to prohibited regions
The possibility of introducing automatic shutdown of equipment if it is transferred to Russia or China. For example, to a factory that produces weapons or spare parts. This will create an additional level of protection against misuse.
- International cooperation
To effectively implement control measures, the United States needs to work closely with key allies such as Japan and Germany. This is important for creating a united front and implementing unified standards.
- Use of controls by companies, as in the financial sector
The West can take as a model the practices in the financial sector, where banks are required to follow strict rules and use control technologies. Require instrument manufacturers to use similar security measures.
- Update the policy
Regularly review and update the export control policy, adapting it to new technological and geopolitical challenges.
- Restore historical practices from the Cold War era
Given the threat posed by Russia and China, the West should restore and modernize control practices that were used during the Cold War to limit adversaries' military capabilities.
This approach may complicate Russia and China's efforts to circumvent sanctions, serving as a crucial step toward limiting the military capabilities of these countries.
Full version of the article: New York Times