Millions of people in the U.S. depend on medical devices like pacemakers and infusion pumps for their health. But some of these products, especially those made in China, have raised serious concerns about potential spying and other risks.
In January 2025, the FDA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued a warning about patient monitors made by Contec Medical Systems, a Chinese firm. These monitors, used in numerous American hospitals, can allegedly send sensitive patient information to specific IP addresses in China. There’s also a worry that a backdoor in the devices permits remote access, which could allow someone to alter vital signs displayed by the equipment, leading to dangerous clinical decisions.
It’s worth noting that there isn’t a fix for this. For China, having such vulnerabilities is, maybe understandably, part of the design.
According to China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, all companies there must assist with national intelligence efforts when asked. This indicates a troubling reality: companies essentially answer to the Chinese government. The presence of devices associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the American healthcare system is alarming and clearly unacceptable.
The threat isn’t limited to just medical devices. Recently, Senate Republicans highlighted concerns that Chinese vape products might be used for laundering money, benefiting both spies and drug cartels operating in the U.S.
Former President Donald Trump recognized this danger in September 2025. His administration initiated a National Security Section 232 investigation into medical device imports. This investigation focused on how foreign powers might exploit supply chains. Investigators even discovered devices linked to the CCP at a research institute funded by the U.S. government.
It’s already a significant issue to rely on foreign suppliers, particularly those who benefit from state support to outmatch U.S. competitors. The specter of sudden import halts increases risks during crises, like those experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. When hospitals are reliant on compromised supply chains, patients could find themselves without vital medical technology precisely when they need it most.
Fortunately, Texas isn’t just standing by amid federal indecision. With a gridlocked Congress, state leaders are taking initiative.
In June 2025, Republican Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation barring technology associated with the CCP from state government systems and also established the Texas Cyber Command to seek out and eliminate threats from abroad. Just last year, he expanded the list of banned technologies to include 26 additional companies tied to China, comprising hardware manufacturers and AI platforms directly connected to the CCP. Furthermore, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated multiple lawsuits against these companies operating in the state.
Public sentiment is largely supportive of these measures. Texans seem to acknowledge that national security encompasses not just borders but also the technology that monitors their loved ones in healthcare settings.
There’s existing legislation in place, but the aim now is to specifically extend protections to state health procurement practices. And that’s the current focus for Texas Republicans.
Recently, the Texas Public Policy Foundation sent a letter to state officials calling for greater action on this issue. The letter, which was co-signed by 53 members of Congress, advocates for practical standards. This includes urging state health agencies to adopt procurement policies that would prohibit medical equipment from firms affiliated with the CCP. There’s also a suggestion for a review process of existing contracts and equipment to eliminate vulnerabilities. Collaboration with legislators is encouraged to create grants and incentives aimed at promoting American-made medical devices.
In our backgrounds, one of us served as an intelligence officer, while the other is a doctor. We’ve invested years analyzing national security risks. For us, this issue hits home. It’s crucial that critical infrastructure, healthcare included, remains a strong point for America’s national defense. Texas patients should never find their medical data sent to Chinese servers, especially when their care could be compromised. Just one faulty firmware update can yield hidden threats for any hospital. In a nation already grappling with CCP aggression, we cannot afford to leave our medical infrastructure unsecured.
Texas is demonstrating how to take a lead in these matters. We have the tools, the national mission, and the resolve. Now is the time to act before a crisis escalates further.
All of America is watching. Let’s showcase effective action.
