Stephen Hall speaks during the President’s Lecture Series in the Robert C. Byrd Center on Oct. 23. Larissa Mendy

SHEPHERDSTOWN — “China’s Reach for U.S. Technology – Determining the Winner” was discussed on Monday night at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education auditorium.

The lecture, which was the second in this season’s three-part President’s Lecture Series at Shepherd University, featured Stephen Hall, a Certified Mentor in International Business and Cybersecurity.

“We are very interested in today’s topic, because we have to be able to understand from a global perspective how we can work with other countries in a competitive manner, in a friendly manner,” said Shepherd University President Mary J.C. Hendrix, who founded the series. “And we need to understand what the major issues are that allow us to have the best possible outcome.”

Hall kicked off the lecture by bringing up a recent event that shocked the national security community — the downing of a Chinese-made balloon. The situation evoked concerns about the extent to which China has gotten access to U.S. technology and the likelihood that it will be utilized against, not only the U.S., but also other countries.

According to Hall, Beijing aids its companies through spying, subsidies and trade regulations, targeting the U.S. economy.

Stephen Hall chats with Shepherd University President Mary J.C. Hendrix, after giving a President’s Lecture in the Robert C. Byrd Center on Oct. 23. Larissa Mendy

“Beijing’s willingness to use espionage, subsidies and trade policy to try to give its firms a competitive advantage represents not just an ongoing challenge for the U.S. economy and its workers, but also advances in Beijing’s attempts to assume leadership and the world’s technological advancement and standards,” Hall said.

“Why specifically this topic? Because it has been highlighted by the director of central intelligence and the national threat assessment — China is the main focal point of that particular assessment,” Hall said. “It affects all government departments. It affects many industries itself about the technology and [what will happen if it] gets into the wrong hands.”

The audience’s reaction to the lecture was a mix of astonishment and concern.

Local business owner Sarah Watson said that the lecture had a number of potentially serious implications, in relation to her business.

“This lecture makes me wonder about the products and technologies we use daily and their potential vulnerability,” Watson said.

For Shepherd University student John Carter, the broader implications of the lecture were particularly thought-provoking.

“As a student studying technology, this lecture opened my eyes to the complexities of international relations and how they are interconnected with innovation,” Carter said. “It’s both fascinating and alarming.”

The event also served as a reminder of Shepherd University’s commitment to promoting open dialogue on global challenges. The fact that the lecture was free and open to the public emphasized the university’s commitment to encouraging community awareness and informed discussions.

“I just feel so grateful to Shepherd for putting this information together,” said Shepherdstown resident Sarah Kleckner.

As the lecture ended, attendees were left questioning the delicate balance between international cooperation and national interests. The challenges of securing important U.S. technology from invasion were brought to light, thanks to Hall’s insight, which will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on lecture attendees.

To learn more about the President’s Lecture Series, visit https://www.shepherd.edu/president/presidents-lecture-series.