As concerns persisted that critical infrastructure could be vulnerable to external attacks, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the 26th (local time) prohibiting the inflow of certain foreign-made power equipment to protect the national power grid.

According to foreign media outlets including Bloomberg and AFP, President Trump explained the reason for signing the order, stating, "The rapid growth of advanced manufacturing, data centers, artificial intelligence, and defense production has heightened our reliance on abundant and reliable electricity," and adding, "If an attack on the bulk-power system succeeds or if supply is disrupted, the fallout will be even greater."

The executive order includes provisions prohibiting the purchase, import, and installation of certain imported components used in high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and power plants.

This applies to countries subject to U.S. arms embargoes, sanctioned nations, or countries that the U.S. government determines are acting against U.S. interests.

Assessments suggest that this measure effectively targets Chinese power equipment.

AFP reported, "While China is not explicitly mentioned in the executive order, Chinese power components have been a source of concern among U.S. security officials for years."

Bloomberg also noted that bipartisan concerns have persisted that Chinese components used in the U.S. power system could be exploited by foreign adversaries.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China accounts for approximately 80% of global battery and solar inverter production.

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce stated in data that numerous Chinese large power transformers had been imported into the U.S. over the past decade.

Power equipment such as solar inverters can be remotely monitored and controlled, posing a risk of easy exposure to cyberattacks.

To protect critical infrastructure, the U.S. compiles a "covered list" of companies deemed threats to national security, placing multiple Chinese firms on the list to restrict their activities within the United States.

In 2021, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) placed Chinese telecommunications equipment companies such as Huawei and ZTE on this list, and starting the following year, banned the sale of these companies' telecommunications equipment in the U.S.

(Photo: Getty Images)