Meaning: The quote refers to the findings of the Cox Committee, a U.S. congressional committee established in 1998 to investigate the transfer of U.S. technology to China. The committee's report, officially known as the "Report of the Select Committee on U.S. National Security and Military/Commercial Concerns with the People's Republic of China," presented alarming evidence of Chinese acquisition of sensitive American technologies, some of which were targeted for acquisition for more than 25 years. The quote is attributed to Charles Bass, a politician who was a member of the committee.

The Cox Committee's investigation was prompted by growing concerns about the transfer of advanced military and dual-use (i.e., having both civilian and military applications) technology to China. The committee's findings raised significant national security concerns and sparked a debate about the risks and implications of such technology transfers.

The technologies acquired by the Chinese military over the past seven years, as highlighted in the quote, encompassed a wide range of sectors, including aerospace, telecommunications, and advanced manufacturing. The report revealed that China had obtained sensitive military technologies through various means, including espionage, illicit technology transfer, and exploitation of gaps in U.S. export control regulations.

One of the key revelations of the Cox Committee's report was the extent to which China had targeted and acquired technologies that had been identified as critical to U.S. national security. These technologies were not only acquired through unauthorized means but were also exploited to bolster China's military capabilities, posing a direct challenge to U.S. strategic interests.

The findings of the Cox Committee underscored the complex and evolving nature of the U.S.-China relationship, particularly in the realms of technology, national security, and economic competition. The report raised questions about the adequacy of U.S. export control policies, the effectiveness of counter-espionage measures, and the need for enhanced safeguards to protect sensitive technologies from unauthorized access and transfer.

The implications of the Cox Committee's findings extended beyond the realm of national security, as they also reverberated in the spheres of trade, diplomacy, and international relations. The report fueled debates about the balance between economic engagement with China and safeguarding U.S. technological and strategic interests. It also prompted calls for greater vigilance in monitoring and regulating the transfer of sensitive technologies to foreign entities.

In response to the committee's findings, the U.S. government implemented measures aimed at strengthening export controls, enhancing counter-espionage efforts, and improving oversight of technology transfer activities. The report also spurred a reevaluation of U.S. policies toward China, leading to a more cautious approach in certain technology sectors and heightened scrutiny of foreign investments and partnerships with potential national security implications.

The Cox Committee's report had a lasting impact on U.S. policy and public discourse surrounding the intersection of technology, national security, and international relations. It served as a wake-up call regarding the vulnerabilities and risks associated with the unauthorized transfer of sensitive technologies and reinforced the imperative of safeguarding U.S. technological leadership and strategic advantage.

In conclusion, the quote from Charles Bass encapsulates the alarming findings of the Cox Committee regarding Chinese acquisition of sensitive U.S. military and dual-use technologies over a significant period. The committee's report shed light on the challenges and risks posed by unauthorized technology transfers and prompted a reassessment of U.S. policies and practices in safeguarding national security interests in the realm of advanced technologies.