US Blacklists Hikvision for Alleged Ties to Chinese Army

One of the world-famous and largest makers of surveillance equipment, Hangzhous Hikvision Digital Technology was recently blacklisted by the US Department of Defense after discovering its long-term ties to the Chinese military. PLAAF or the People’s Liberation Army Air Force was allegedly sold drones and related accessory equipment by the firm in 2019. It was also accused of being the top-tier supplier for the Chinese military in 2014.

The fresh accusations were based on a report released by video surveillance research authority IPVM. The report was used by the Wall Street Journal, which then produced its own investigation in combination with the report and stated that Hikvision had posted a report in the past detailing the improvement technology could bring about in the performance of the Chinese weapons. This included, missile and tank systems used by the PLA. The report also described the cameras the firm produced for recording drills and research work for improving weapon accuracy.

At present, the report has been taken down from Hikvision’s website after being contacted regarding it.

However, in its defense against being blacklisting by the US Department of Defense and the report issued by IPVM, a spokesman for Hikvision said, “Not now, and not ever, has Hikvision conducted research and development work for Chinese military applications. Any instances of such by any of our employees were done so in a personal capacity and not at the direction of the company.”

In addition to Hikvision, the Chinese Foreign Ministry also came forward in defense of the allegations and claimed that the Pentagon “unfairly targets Chinese companies” despite the partnership of US with private enterprises.

By getting blacklisted by the US Department of Defense, Hikvision will no longer be eligible for receiving American investments. Nevertheless, the DoD did not get into the details of adding Hikvision to its blacklist. However, any association with or being owned by the PLA could get any company on the blacklist.