Key Points:
- The U.S. Commerce Department investigated whether Chinese vehicle imports pose national security risks.
- President Biden emphasizes the need to prevent potential risks to national security posed by Chinese vehicle imports.
- The investigation will assess the extent of data collection, remote piloting capabilities, and autonomous technology in Chinese vehicles.
- The move follows bipartisan concerns in the U.S. about data security and the activities of Chinese companies in sensitive sectors.
The White House announced on Thursday that the United States is investigating whether Chinese vehicle imports pose national security risks, citing concerns about “connected” car technology. The probe, led by the U.S. Commerce Department, aims to assess potential risks associated with Chinese-assembled smart vehicles, particularly regarding collecting and transmitting sensitive data to China.
President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of safeguarding national security, stating, “China’s policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security.” He underscored his commitment to preventing such risks during his tenure.
While no specific actions have been decided yet, White House officials emphasized the administration’s broad authority to address potential threats. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo highlighted the urgency of taking action before Chinese-manufactured vehicles become more widespread in the United States, potentially accommodating privacy and national security.
Although few Chinese-made light-duty vehicles are imported into the U.S., concerns about the proliferation of connected Chinese vehicles prompted the investigation. The White House raised the alarm about the collection of sensitive data by vehicles and the potential for remote piloting or disabling, signaling a comprehensive examination of autonomous vehicle technology.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington has criticized the Biden administration’s proposals, urging a halt to the “China threat” narrative and unwarranted restrictions on Chinese companies. However, bipartisan concerns in the U.S. about data security and the activities of Chinese companies have prompted calls for stricter regulations.
As part of the investigation, the Commerce Department will solicit public comments for 60 days to assess the risks associated with Chinese-connected vehicles. This process will inform the drafting of regulations to address concerns, including data storage and transmission requirements.
The move echoes previous actions taken by the U.S. to restrict Chinese telecom companies like Huawei and ZTE from operating in the country due to data security concerns. President Biden questioned why Chinese-connected vehicles should be allowed to operate in the U.S. without adequate safeguards when U.S. autos face significant restrictions in China.
China’s tightening regulations on data management reflect broader efforts to control the flow of sensitive information, particularly in industries like automotive, where data privacy and security are paramount concerns.
