Hesai Group, a Chinese company specializing in lidar technology crucial for self-driving vehicles and driver-assistance systems, has taken legal action against the U.S. government following its inclusion on a list of firms suspected of collaborating with China's military. Despite being added to the list, which serves as a cautionary measure for American entities regarding business partnerships, Hesai maintains that it remains under no control or influence from Chinese governmental or military bodies, emphasizing its majority ownership by shareholders outside of China.
The "1260H list," which features Hesai and several other companies, has caused significant harm to Hesai's reputation, resulting in a notable decline in stock value and business prospects. Seeking redress, the company has petitioned a U.S. district court to compel the government to rescind its classification, highlighting the lack of prior warning, explanation, or opportunity to defend itself before being listed. While the U.S. Department of Defense refrained from commenting on the lawsuit, Hesai's grievance underscored its focus on commercial and civilian applications rather than military endeavors.
In the backdrop of concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers regarding Chinese technological contributions to American infrastructure like lidar, radar, and semiconductors, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg echoed apprehensions about national security risks associated with these technologies. Buttigieg emphasized the importance of discerning the ownership structures of companies supplying elements for U.S. transportation systems to ensure data security and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. The lawsuit from Hesai against the U.S. government reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding technological collaborations between China and the United States, particularly in sensitive sectors such as autonomous vehicles and surveillance equipment.