China bans U.S. and Israeli cybersecurity software over security concerns

China has told domestic firms to stop using U.S. and Israeli cybersecurity software, citing national security concerns amid rising tech tensions. According to Reuters, Beijing ordered companies to quit solutions from more than a dozen U.S. and Israeli vendors, with tensions running high over semiconductors and AI as China seeks to replace Western technology with domestic alternatives.

The ban affects a wide range of vendors, including U.S. names such as VMware, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Mandiant, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, McAfee, Recorded Future, Claroty, Rapid7 and Wiz, along with Israeli firms including Check Point, CyberArk, Orca Security, Cato Networks and Imperva, now owned by France’s Thales. Reuters was unable to establish how many Chinese companies received the notice issued in recent days.

Authorities expressed concern that the software could collect and transmit confidential information abroad, the sources said, and they declined to be named due to sensitivity. The move reflects broader trade and diplomatic friction as Beijing pursues greater domestic tech independence.