US to take ‘unprecedented action’ and investigate Chinese tech in cars over national security risks
- The White House said the probe is because Chinese assembled smart cars could collect sensitive data about US citizens and infrastructure and send data to China
- The Chinese Embassy in Washington has criticised US proposals to impose new restrictions on Chinese trade, urging them to stop hyping up the ‘China threat’
The White House said on Thursday the United States is opening an investigation into whether Chinese vehicle imports pose national security risks and could impose restrictions due to concerns about “connected” car technology.
The US Commerce Department probe is because Chinese assembled smart vehicles could collect sensitive data about US citizens and infrastructure and send the data to China, the White House said.
“China’s policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
“I’m not going to let that happen on my watch.”
White House officials told reporters it was too early to say what action might be taken, and said no decision about any potential ban or restrictions on connected Chinese vehicles had been decided.
Officials said on a call with reporters the US government has wide authority under the law and an administration action could “potentially have a large impact.”