The tools Raimondo wants to counter China

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Feb 29, 2024 View in browser   By Alexander Ward and Matt Berg Gina Raimondo's remark is her strongest statement yet on potential limits she’d be willing to impose on Chinese companies — from automakers to social media companies — that collect U.S. user data. | Steven Senne/AP With help from Maggie Miller and John Sakellariadis Subscribe here | Email Alex | Email Matt Say you’re the Commerce secretary, and you’d like the option to ban Chinese companies that access American data. You’d need Congress to give you relevant authorities, and you’d need to let lawmakers know you’re open to the idea. Enter GINA RAIMONDO, telling Alex in an interview today she would “consider” barring the operations of certain Chinese firms in the United States — if Congress passes legislation giving her the green light. That remark is her strongest statement yet on potential limits she’d be willing to impose on Chinese companies — from automakers to social media companies — that collect U.S. user data. The secretary’s proposal would mark another expansion of existing Biden administration efforts to crack down on these companies. Earlier today, the Biden administration announced a probe into connected vehicles made with Chinese parts that U.S. officials fear could capture sensitive personal data from Americans. And Wednesday, President JOE BIDEN issued an executive order to protect sensitive personal data in the U.S. Commerce, Raimondo noted, doesn’t currently have the statutory authority to prohibit any Chinese company from absorbing and using Americans’ data or from operating in the United States. Asked if she would consider restrictions on such Chinese firms if Commerce got the desired authorities, Raimondo said “yes.” She added that she’d be ready to use such authority “vigorously.” There’s legislation already circulating on the Hill that would give Commerce authority to take more action against Chinese companies collecting U.S. data to various extents — the bipartisan RESTRICT Act and the GUARD Act spearheaded by Senate Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). Former President DONALD TRUMP took steps during his final year in office to force TikTok, WeChat and other Chinese apps to leave the U.S., but Biden reversed these efforts when he took office in 2021, instituting instead an effort to assess data security of the apps. But the Biden administration’s moves and Raimondo’s wishes appear to be a broadening of that approach. Raimondo’s comment, the congressional debate and Biden’s newest moves could also factor into one election-related discussion about who, really, is toughest and most effective on China between the two presidential candidates. A message from Lockheed Martin: F-35: Advancing 21st Century Security The F-35 is vital to 21st Century Security, connecting assets across domains with advanced capabilities and networking to ensure those we serve stay ahead of ready. Learn More.   The Inbox 30,000 DEAD: Israeli troops fired on a crowd of Palestinians awaiting aid in Gaza City today, killing more than 100 people — bringing the death toll in the territory to more than 30,000 since October, per local health officials, The Associated Press’ WAFAA SHURAFA and KAREEM CHEHAYEB report. Witnesses told the outlet that troops opened fire on civilians as they pulled flour and canned goods off trucks. Israeli officials acknowledged that soldiers shot at civilians, but said they did so after the crowd approached in a threatening way. The military initially said that “dozens were killed and injured from pushing, trampling and being run over by the trucks.” As the death toll continues to rise, aid groups have warned that it’s becoming increasingly challenging to deliver assistance to Palestinians due to the difficulty of working with Israel’s military, ongoing fighting and massive crowds overwhelming the convoys. A quarter of the 2.3 million Gazans face starvation, while 80 percent have been displaced from their homes, according to the United Nations. Aid group representatives told our own ERIN BANCO that they are prepared to evacuate from Gaza in advance of a potential ground invasion by the Israeli military on March 10. If those organizations pull out of Gaza, it could severely limit Gazans’ access to food and medical care. It’s unclear if Israel has a plan to take on aid distribution. This morning, Biden walked back his assessment that a hostage deal to pause fighting in Gaza could be reached by Monday: “I was on the telephone with the people in the region. I’m still — probably not by Monday, but I’m hopeful,” he told reporters on the South Lawn. U.S. officials, including several from the CIA, have worked with Israeli and Qatar officials in Doha in recent days to try and reach a ceasefire and hostage deal by Monday. But that effort is unlikely to come to a close this weekend, a person with knowledge of negotiations said. The U.S. and Israel are still waiting to hear back from Hamas on whether it will agree to a six-week pause in fighting and a new proposal for a prisoners-for-hostages exchange, that person said. The Biden administration, which has been facing mounting pressure from lawmakers to ensure aid is delivered, is now considering dropping assistance into the Gaza Strip via military planes, four U.S. officials told Axios’ BARAK RAVID. Asked about that possibility of airdropping aid, MICK MULROY, formerly a top Pentagon official for the Middle East, told NatSec Daily that other pathways are needed: “I think the U.S. will be much more effective at it than others to date, but it will not make much of a difference. There needs to be multiple ground and maritime points open to make a difference.” ISRAEL’S SLICE OF AID: Israel appears to be becoming increasingly involved in aid distribution in the Gaza Strip. The trucks that attempted to deliver aid to Gazans in the north today were supported through independent, commercial contractors and organized through COGAT — the Israeli military group that coordinates humanitarian access to the enclave, two people familiar with the situation told our own ERIN BANCO. Pictures on social media appear to show food boxes labeled "Ummah Welfare Trust" — a U.K.-based charity. Israel has in recent weeks largely blocked international aid groups’ movement into the northern part of Gaza, the people said, instead trying to independently coordinate convoys into the northern neighborhoods. The majority of the aid organizations, including UN-funded groups, are situated in the south along the Egyptian border. If Israel were to take on more of the responsibility for distributing the aid, it could potentially avoid or lessen the criticism it has received from Western officials and humanitarian organizations for blocking access to Gaza and bombarding crucial medical infrastructure, including hospitals. PUTIN’S NUCLEAR THREAT: Russian President VLADIMIR PUTIN warned that sending Western troops into Ukraine could spark nuclear war, our own DENIS LEVEN reports. Were NATO countries to send soldiers to help Kyiv — as French President EMMANUEL MACRON suggested could happen — the consequences would be “tragic,” Putin said in a speech to Russia's parliament today. "We too have weapons that can hit targets on their territory. This really threatens a conflict with nuclear weapons, and thus the destruction of civilization," he added. Putin has warned of using nuclear force before, but the latest threat underscores the Kremlin’s increased confidence following Russian troops’ advancements in western Ukraine, among other successes in the past month. Russia further warned Macron of taking action: “Before making such statements, Macron would do well to remember how it ended for Napoleon and his soldiers, more than 600,000 of whom were left lying in the damp earth,” said VYACHESLAV VOLODIN, a politician who’s a close Putin ally, referring to the disastrous French invasion of Russia in 1812. Macron stood by his remarks today: “Every one of the words that I say on this issue is weighed, thought through and measured," he told reporters. Meanwhile, Estonian Prime Minister KAJA KALLAS told POLITICO's Power Play podcast that "everything" is on the table to help Ukraine beat Putin. Leaders must discuss all possibilities behind closed doors, she said, including what more can be done to assist Ukraine. Read: Putin’s vision for Russia’s next 6 years: Keep fighting, quit drinking, have babies by our own EVA HARTOG and DENIS LEVEN WORLDWIDE MANHUNT: Ukrainian special services are hunting Russians abroad, ANDRIY YUSOV, an official with the country’s military intelligence, told our own VERONIKA MELKOZEROVA. “Ukrainian intelligence has to be present wherever there is a need to destroy the enemy, which is waging a full-scale war against Ukraine. We are present wherever it is possible to weaken the interests of Russia,” Yusov said in Kyiv. IT’S THURSDAY: Thanks for tuning in to NatSec Daily. This space is reserved for the top U.S. and foreign officials, the lawmakers, the lobbyists, the experts and the people like you who care about how the natsec sausage gets made. Aim your tips and comments at award@politico.com and mberg@politico.com, and follow us on X at @alexbward and @mattberg33. While you’re at it, follow the rest of POLITICO’s national security team: @nahaltoosi, @PhelimKine, @laraseligman, @connorobrienNH, @paulmcleary, @leehudson, @magmill95, @johnnysaks130, @ErinBanco, @reporterjoe, and @JGedeon1.   YOUR GUIDE TO EMPIRE STATE POLITICS: From the newsroom that doesn’t sleep, POLITICO's New York Playbook is the ultimate guide for power players navigating the intricate landscape of Empire State politics. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest and most important stories from Albany, New York City and around the state, with in-depth, original reporting to stay ahead of policy trends and political developments. Subscribe now to keep up with the daily hustle and bustle of NY politics.      ELECTION 2024 SOUTHERN BORDER BATTLE: Biden and Trump are holding dueling visits to the southern border today as the president seeks to dull his leading 2024 opponent’s political cudgel, our own MYAH WARD, ELI STOKOLS and LISA KASHINSKY report. While Biden meets with Border Patrol agents, law enforcement and local leaders in Brownsville, Texas, Trump — whose plans were announced before the White House trip — will be stationed more than 300 miles away in Eagle Pass, Texas, the site of the state-federal standoff over border security. Trump will also sit for an interview with Fox News’ SEAN HANNITY during his drop-in. Biden’s trip is the culmination of weeks of dialed-up rhetoric and a major strategy shift from the White House, as administration officials lean into the border issue and look to shift the political blame to Republicans and Trump, who urged GOP members to kill a bipartisan Senate border deal earlier this month. In a Daily Mail op-ed today, Trump accused Biden of “chasing me to the border, no doubt desperate to shirk blame for the catastrophe he has caused.” Biden is scheduled to give remarks at 4:30 p.m. and Trump’s Fox interview is set for 9 p.m. Keystrokes LOOKOUT FOR 2024: FBI Director CHRIS WRAY warned that artificial intelligence is primed to introduce unprecedented challenges to the 2024 vote, our own JOHN SAKELLARIADIS writes in. “The U.S. will face more adversaries, moving at a faster pace, and enabled by new technology,” Wray said during a speech this morning at the Intelligence and National Security Alliance, where he called out the risk of deep fakes and synthetic media. Wray’s remarks echo foreboding comments made earlier this week by Senate Intelligence Chair MARK WARNER (D-Va.), who said the country was “less prepared” to thwart foreign threats than in 2020 due to AI and the slackening of government disinfo efforts. ABOUT THAT EV DATA: As part of today's official announcement on EV data, Commerce is seeking public comment on how best to safeguard data before Chinese connected vehicles are on American roads, as our own JOSEPH GEDEON reports (for Pros!). The public has 60 days to respond to the new advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, which solicits feedback on what types of tech transactions present undue risk; tools to address those concerns, including prohibitions or mitigations; and the feasibility of a waiver program. The Complex SEND OUR SHIPS: Sen. ANGUS KING (I-Maine) and Senate Armed Services Chair JACK REED (D-R.I.) are urging Biden to send a Navy hospital ship to treat Gaza civilians hurt in the Israel-Hamas conflict, our friends at Morning Defense (for Pros!) report. In a letter sent Wednesday, they said Biden should also use the medical vessel to deliver humanitarian aid, as France and Indonesia are doing. The Navy has two such ships with 1,000 beds each: the USNS Comfort, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, and the USNS Mercy in San Diego. “Despite the administration's significant efforts, including your continuing work to broker a temporary ceasefire, two million Gazans still face critical shortages in food, shelter and medical care,” their letter reads.   SUBSCRIBE TO GLOBAL PLAYBOOK: Don’t miss out on POLITICO’s Global Playbook, the newsletter taking you inside pivotal discussions at the most influential gatherings in the world, including WEF in Davos, Milken Global in Beverly Hills, to UNGA in NYC and many more. Suzanne Lynch delivers the world's elite and influential moments directly to you. Stay in the global loop. SUBSCRIBE NOW.     On the Hill IT’S COSTIN’ AUSTIN: House Republicans put Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in the hot seat during a hearing today, faulting him for not blaming anyone for failing to notify the White House of his January hospitalization, our own CONNOR O’BRIEN and LARA SELIGMAN report. “Who will be held accountable for this, this embarrassment?” asked Rep. JIM BANKS (R-Ind.), leading off a contentious House Armed Services Committee hearing. Republicans zeroed in on the fact that Austin was in the hospital for three days before Biden and the White House learned about his status, arguing it shows his lack of influence on national security. “Either the president is that aloof or you are irrelevant,” Banks said. Armed Services Chair MIKE ROGERS (R-Ala.) added that the White House not noticing his absence “suggests Secretary Austin’s advice is not sought or heeded in the White House, even while military operations were ongoing in the Middle East.” Austin, who previously apologized for the matter, again told lawmakers he was in the wrong: “We did not handle this right,” he said. “And I did not handle this right.” Read: Democrats’ strategy on Austin’s health: Pivot to Ukraine by Lara and Connor FIRST IN NATSEC DAILY –– ‘TOTAL DESTRUCTION’: Six House Democrats who recently traveled to Israel say they fear Prime Minister BENJAMIN NETANYAHU is hellbent on the “total destruction” of Gaza. Netanyahu, they claim, “has demonstrated an utter disregard for Palestinian lives” and “has shamefully been unwilling to allow humanitarian services in at the scale needed.” The lawmakers –– Reps. ROSA DeLAURO (D-Conn.), MARK TAKANO (D-Calif.), SALUD CARBAJAL (D-Calif.), MADELEINE DEAN (D-Pa.), SEAN CASTEN (D-Ill.) and BECCA BALINT (D-Vt.) –– just returned from visiting Israel and occupied Palestinian territories. They offered four broad suggestions to improve the humanitarian situation and put Palestinians on the path toward their own state. There are: 1) “an immediate end to violence in Gaza and the West Bank”; 2) “providing humanitarian aid and security for refugees”; 3) outlining a credible day-after and reconstruction plan for Gaza and 4) finding long-term solutions for regional stability. Read: Jeffries pushes Senate-passed foreign aid bill as centrists float long-shot alternative compromise by our own NICHOLAS WU and JORDAIN CARNEY Broadsides NEW NAVALNY SANCTIONS? Eight European Union countries are pushing the bloc’s diplomatic arm to come up with a new sanctions instrument targeting Russia after the death of anti-corruption activist ALEXEI NAVALNY, in a letter seen by our own ANTONIA ZIMMERMANN and KOEN VERHELST. The foreign ministers of Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Sweden all signed the letter, which was dated Feb. 28 and addressed to the EU’s top diplomat JOSEP BORRELL. At least four other countries are understood to support the idea, but didn’t sign the letter. The coalition of eight hopes to establish a mechanism that specifically targets those involved in domestic repression in Russia. Such a regime would “provide a solid legal basis to list individuals from Russia’s repressive state apparatus” and those involved in the judicial system, they wrote. A second idea the eight ministers put forward is “new listings of individuals and entities” involved in Russian repression under the EU’s relatively new Global Human Rights Sanctions regime.     Transitions — RASMUS HINDREN will start as director of defense policy in the Cabinet of the president of Finland. What to Read — MASSIMO CALABRESI, TIME: Inside the White House program to share America’s secrets — Jewish Institute for National Security of America and The Vandenberg Coalition: The day after: a plan for Gaza — ROBERT WEISSMAN and SAVANNAH WOOTEN, Public Citizen: A.I. Joe: the dangers of artificial intelligence and the military Tomorrow Today — Center for Strategic and International Studies, 8 a.m.: Gaza: the human toll — Georgetown University, 9 a.m.: End gender apartheid: utilizing international law to support women's rights in Afghanistan — Center for a New American Security, 11 a.m.: Book discussion on “Death, Dominance, and State-Building: The U.S. in Iraq and the Future of American Military Intervention” — RAND Corporation, 1 p.m.: The U.S.-Japan alliance: realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific Thanks to our editor, Heidi Vogt, who we would “consider” replacing with, well, anyone. We also thank our producer, Gregory Svirnovskiy, who is irreplaceable. A message from Lockheed Martin: F-35: Delivering what’s next to ensure those we serve stay ahead of ready. At Lockheed Martin, our mission is to deliver seamless and secure integrated deterrence with advanced systems that serve as intelligent nodes in the networked battlespace. Learn More.     Follow us on Twitter Alex Ward @alexbward Matt Berg @mattberg33   Follow us

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