US rejects Chinese tech
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The Biden administration in the US has proposed a ban on Chinese software in internet-connected vehicles, citing national security threats.
The move is intended to prevent Chinese intelligence agencies from exploiting vehicle electronics to monitor Americans or access US infrastructure.
The ban, announced Monday, would apply to all cars, trucks, and buses on US roads starting in model year 2027, with hardware bans beginning in 2030.
Vehicles used off public roads, such as in agriculture or mining, would be exempt.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo says that while Chinese vehicles are scarce in the US, the measure is designed to proactively secure Americans from potential surveillance.
“This is not about trade or economic advantage,” she said, calling it a national security action.
The proposal is part of broader US efforts to combat Chinese tech threats, echoing previous bans on Huawei equipment and investigations into Chinese cranes at American ports. National security adviser Jake Sullivan has highlighted the risks posed by connected vehicles, which gather vast data and link to critical infrastructure.
He also referred to Volt Typhoon, a Chinese effort to insert code into US power systems, as a related concern.
This action is part of a growing digital divide between the US and China.
Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for a New American Security told reporters; “The ‘small yard’ is growing in size and will continue no matter who wins the election.”
US automakers, while supporting the national security rationale, have expressed concern over the timeline.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation warns that finding alternative suppliers could be challenging given the complexity of global supply chains.
In addition to the proposed ban, the administration recently raised tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to 100 percent to protect domestic jobs and support US automakers.
The Biden administration is also offering significant subsidies for electric vehicle production to reduce reliance on Chinese technology.
Experts believe this is the start of more expansive restrictions, which could extend to other sectors such as Chinese-made drones.
US automakers are being pushed to find new technological solutions as the global market, especially China, remains vital for innovations in electric vehicles and related technologies.