It’s Time to Treat China’s Connected Energy Systems As a National Security Risk | RAND

Chinese batteries, turbines, and solar panels aren’t just hardware anymore—they’re smart, connected systems. That connectivity brings new security risks for importers.

It’s Time to Treat China’s Connected Energy Systems As a National Security Risk Commentary Jan 21, 2026 A worker produces battery parts for new energy vehicles at a workshop in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, China, February 6, 2025 Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto/Reuters By Francesca Ghiretti and Conlan Ellis This commentary was originally published by The Wire China on January 18, 2026. Electric vehicles, batteries, wind turbines and solar panels (PV) are no longer just mechanical assets-they are smart, connected systems. Their performance, safety and resilience depend on tightly integrated hardware a

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