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The US Commerce Department on Monday took steps to ban the sale of connected cars that incorporate Chinese and Russian technology, citing national security risks.
The proposed rules are part of President Joe Biden’s tougher stance on the world’s second-largest economy and come after he announced an investigation in February into security risks posed by Chinese technology in cars.
Modern cars are becoming increasingly equipped with integrated electronics, allowing them to connect with personal devices, other vehicles, the U.S. infrastructure and automakers such as electric and autonomous vehicles.
The rules announced by the Commerce Department on Monday cover software and hardware that connects vehicles to the outside world.
“Malevolent access to these systems could enable adversaries to access and collect our most sensitive data and remotely control vehicles on America’s roads,” the Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security said in a statement announcing the move, highlighting the frightening possibility that hackers could take control of cars while they are being driven.
The government did not say which makes or models may be affected by the rule, which will be open to public comment for 30 days.
Responding to reports of the ban before it was announced, China on Monday warned the United States not to take “discriminatory measures” against its companies.
Asked about the reports, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said: “China opposes the US’s expansion of the concept of national security and discriminatory measures against Chinese companies and products.”
The American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), which represents the industry’s three biggest automakers – General Motors, Ford and Stellantis – did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.
The Biden administration announced 100% tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and other tariff hikes worth billions of dollars this month.
Both moves provoked strong reactions from Beijing.
Currently, there are no Chinese-branded cars sold in the United States.
There is also the issue of Chinese-made parts being used in vehicles assembled in the US.
A preliminary U.S. investigation showed “minimal Chinese and Russian software” in the domestically produced supply chain, the official said, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity.
With more Chinese-made equipment in circulation, the hardware supply chain has become “somewhat complicated” and new suppliers will likely be needed.
As a result, the proposed hardware ban would not come into effect before 2029 to give the industry time to adapt, while the software ban could come into effect as early as 2027.
“Today’s vehicles are equipped with cameras, microphones, GPS tracking devices and other internet-connected technology,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement.
“It is not difficult to imagine how a foreign adversary with access to this information could pose serious risks to both our national security and the privacy of Americans,” she said.
That’s why the U.S. is taking “targeted, aggressive steps to keep Chinese and Russian-made technology off American roads,” she added, using an acronym for the People’s Republic of China.
U.S. trade policy is one of the key issues in the November White House election between Republican Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
During his presidency, Trump has adopted an aggressive stance towards China, imposing tariffs on imports of Chinese-made products.
Biden has essentially kept those measures in place but has also restricted exports to China of technology such as semiconductors and the machinery used to make them.
The aim is to restrict Chinese companies’ access to cutting-edge equipment purchased overseas, particularly for military purposes.
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