In 2018, a Chinese state-controlled company bought an Italian manufacturer of military drones. Soon after, it began transferring the company’s know-how and technology—which had been used by the Italian military in Afghanistan—to China.
The Italian and European authorities had no knowledge of the move, revealing how Beijing is skirting weak investment-screening in Europe to acquire sensitive technology.
LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
China Bought Italian Military-Drone Maker Without Authorities’ Knowledge
Sale illustrates Europe’s weak rules on purchases of sensitive technology
16 November 2021 · 17:00 UTC
