The United States is set to prohibit specific hardware and software produced in China and Russia from being used in cars, trucks, and buses due to security concerns. Officials have expressed worries that this technology, which is essential for self-driving features and connecting vehicles to various networks, could allow adversaries to "remotely manipulate cars on American roads."
Currently, the use of Chinese or Russian-made software in American vehicles is minimal. However, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized that these actions are "targeted, proactive" measures aimed at safeguarding the country.
“Cars today have cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and other technologies connected to the internet," she said. "It doesn’t take much imagination to understand how a foreign adversary with access to this information could pose a serious risk to both our national security and the privacy of US citizens."
Chinese officials have reacted strongly, accusing the US of expanding "the concept of national security" to unfairly target Chinese companies. “China opposes the US’s broadening of the concept of national security and the discriminatory actions taken against Chinese companies and products,” said Lin Jian, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry.
Lin urged the US to respect market principles and create an "open, fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory" business environment for Chinese enterprises.
This proposal is part of the Biden administration's ongoing efforts to limit China's role in the automotive supply chain. The White House has also increased tariffs on electric vehicles and their batteries and has banned imports of certain Chinese-made cargo cranes, citing cybersecurity risks.
In response to the new proposal, China reiterated its commitment to protecting its legitimate rights and interests. The US Commerce Department will allow a 30-day public comment period before finalizing the regulation by January 20, 2025. The ban will be phased in, starting with software technology for the 2027 model year and hardware technology for the 2030 model year.
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