DKart
Chinese vehicles pose risks to U.S. national security, President Joe Biden warned, saying he directed Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to start an investigation into connected vehicles with technology from countries of concern. This may lead to curbs on the use of certain vehicle parts in the U.S.
“China is determined to dominate the future of the auto market, including by using unfair practices,” he said. “China’s policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security.”
Biden warned that connected vehicles from China could collect sensitive data about U.S. citizens and infrastructure, and send this data back to Beijing. “These vehicles could be remotely accessed or disabled.”
He noted that China imposes restrictions on vehicles made in the U.S. and abroad. “Why should connected vehicles from China be allowed to operate in our country without safeguards?”
The investigation would be the latest move by the Biden administration to protect U.S. manufacturing against the threat of Chinese cyberattacks. It recently issued an executive order to improve maritime cybersecurity amid concerns over the growing presence of Chinese manufacturing in critical U.S. ports.
FBI Director Christopher Wray warned that China’s hacking program is larger than that of every other major nation combined, and this advantage is magnified by AI. Last month, the Netherlands revealed that Chinese hackers gained access to a Dutch military network last year.
Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk previously said Chinese carmakers are the world’s most competitive. “If there are no trade barriers established, they will pretty much demolish most other car companies in the world.”