Google reluctant to work with Pentagon, is partnering with China: US lawmakers

Google is partnering with China, where state-owned companies have a "direct pipeline" with military, but Internet search engine giant has shown a lack of willingness to work with US Department of Defence, top Pentagon officials have told American lawmakers.

Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan and General Joseph Dunford, chairman joint chiefs of staff, said this during a Congressional hearing as lawmakers expressed concern over increasing Chinese coerciveness with American companies.

" interesting thing and this is why China is  this is such an important issue for our country. fusion of commercial business with military is significant. USD 5 trillion of ir ecomy is state-owned enterprises," he said.

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"So, techlogy that is developed in civil world transfers to military world. It's a direct pipeline. t only is re a transfer, re's also systemic ft of US techlogy that facilitates even faster development of emerging techlogy," acting defence secretary said.

Shanahan clarified that Google hasn't refused to work with Department of Defence. "But re is a lack of willingness to support DOD programme," he said. Gen Dunford agreed.

" work that Google is doing in China is indirectly benefiting Chinese military, and I've been very public on this issue, as well," he said.

"In fact, way I described it to our industry partners is, look, we're good guys  and values that we represent, and system that we represent is one that will allow and has allowed you to thrive. And that's way I've characterized it," Gen Dunford said.

"We watch with great concern when industry partners work in China kwing that re is that indirect benefit. Frankly, maybe t a full characterisation of way it really is. It's more of a direct benefit to Chinese military, he said.

In his opening statement, Shanahan said China's defence spending approaches that of United States when one takes into account purchasing power and portion of US budget going to military pay and benefits.

''I think we've been igring (China) problem too long, Shanahan said in response to a question.

California-based Internet giant has long sought to expand in China, home of a "Great Firewall". It previously said it will keep looking for opportunities to invest in China. However, it's t clear if that would mean a return of Google Search to China after its exit over eight years ago following a showdown with Chinese government over censorship.