The US government views Chinese-linked vehicles as a potential “national security threat,” sparking investigations that could lead to a direct ban on the sale of Chinese cars in America. Gina Raimondo, the US Secretary of Commerce, announced an ongoing investigation to evaluate the potential risks posed by these vehicles and to consider future actions. The probe, initiated in February, aims to determine whether Chinese-made vehicles indeed pose a national security risk. If confirmed, the US government could implement “tight measures” to completely prohibit their sale, or alternatively, impose restrictions on their network connectivity features.
Raimondo cautioned that reaching a decision on how to address Chinese automakers eyeing the lucrative US market would take time. However, the specific measures to be taken remain unclear. Notably, Tesla recently managed to persuade Chinese authorities that its vehicles do not pose a security threat. It’s worth mentioning that the Chinese government frequently restricts Tesla’s access to certain streets, areas, and routes due to national security concerns. However, Tesla vehicles gained entry into previously restricted areas in China following recent approvals.
A Chinese industry expert accused Raimondo of politicizing the automotive industry, warning that any ban or restriction would disrupt fair competition. Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, argued that such moves would weaken supply chains and only harm the US.
