So, here’s the scoop from across the pond: the UK’s National Grid just broke up with its electrical components supplier, Nari Technology, cozying up with Beijing. Why the sudden split? Well, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) gave the nod. Turns out, Nari Technology is over 50% owned by a Chinese state-owned electricity bigwig.
Now, National Grid isn’t just sending a “we need to talk” text – they’re actually pulling out the stuff Nari already set up in the network. It’s a breakup move, but in the tech world.
Why the cold shoulder to Chinese electronics? It seems like the UK is slowly waving goodbye to them, all because they’re worried about China pulling the strings in their companies. And it’s not just them; it’s a trend. Western countries are on high alert, locking down their critical infrastructure to keep out any foreign mischief.
The UK government’s been on a bit of a security shopping spree lately. They bought out a Chinese company linked to the Sizewell C nuclear plant and gave in to US pressure by banning Huawei’s electronics in their 5G network.
Word on the street is that the problem electronics were the go-betweens for the electricity grid and energy projects, playing superhero to prevent blackouts. An insider spilled the beans, saying the company worked on about 15 sites, and previous tests didn’t raise any red flags.
A UK government big shot chimed in, saying they’re dead serious about national security, especially when it comes to critical infrastructure. They’re holding hands with the private sector to keep things on the up and up.
Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in London is trying to keep the peace, talking about win-win cooperation. Over in the US, they’re dealing with cyber attacks, pointing fingers at China for poking around their critical infrastructure.
