Biden Administration To Investigate Internet-Connected Chinese Vehicles
On Thursday, the Biden administration announced its intention to examine the national security implications associated with internet-connected vehicles originating from China. This investigation could lead to the prohibition of Chinese vehicles within the United States. Officials emphasized that the potential prohibition of connected vehicles (CVs) as a result of the inquiry is not definite and would be a measure taken in response to national security apprehensions, rather than economic rivalry.
According to the Detriot News, however, in a statement accompanying the announcement, President Joe Biden repeatedly raised concerns about protecting the U.S. auto industry.
“China is determined to dominate the future of the auto market, including by using unfair practices. China’s policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security. I’m not going to let that happen on my watch,” he said.
The announcement signals rising concern from Biden’s team about Chinese automakers trying to penetrate the U.S. market and his own electoral competition with Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, who has vowed to place steeper tariffs on foreign vehicles if elected.
“Most cars these days are “connected” — they are like smartphones on wheels. These cars are connected to our phones, to navigation systems, to critical infrastructure, and to the companies that made them. Connected vehicles from China could collect sensitive data about our citizens and our infrastructure and send this data back to the People’s Republic of China,” Biden said.
