USA: The Government Aims to Ban Chinese Technology in Connected Cars

The document released on Monday by the Department of Commerce focuses on software and devices that enable a vehicle to communicate with external sources, particularly for driving assistance and autonomous driving.

The U.S. government wants to ban the sale of connected vehicles in the United States that incorporate Chinese and Russian technology, citing national security risks.

This new measure is part of a tightening approach by President Joe Biden’s administration toward China.

In mid-September, the United States also announced that electric cars imported from China would be taxed at 100% starting September 27.

The document unveiled on Monday by the Department of Commerce targets software and devices that allow a vehicle to communicate with external sources, especially for driving assistance and autonomous driving.

Before the announcement of these measures by the U.S. government, Beijing called such a ban “discriminatory” on Monday. “China opposes the broadening of the national security concept by the United States and the discriminatory measures taken against Chinese companies and products,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian after press reports were released.

Electronics are increasingly integrated into modern cars, and most vehicles today are connected to the internet via navigation systems.

The rise of driver assistance and autonomous driving software further highlights the importance of external interventions in controlling cars on the road.

“Malicious access to these systems could allow adversaries to access and collect our most sensitive data and manipulate vehicles on American roads,” justified the Office of Security and Industry in the Department of Commerce.

The government did not specify which manufacturers or models might be subject to this legislation, whose text will be open for consultation for 30 days before taking its final form.

When contacted by AFP, the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), representing the industry's three giants—General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis—did not respond immediately.

No Chinese-branded vehicles are currently sold in the United States.

However, some Western manufacturers, such as Volvo (Swedish but controlled by China’s Geely), Polestar, Buick (GM Group), and Lincoln (a Ford subsidiary), sell cars made in China.

- "A Serious Risk" 

Beyond this, there is the question of vehicles assembled in the United States but potentially using Chinese parts.

U.S. authorities conducted a study to assess the impact of this measure on the industry, explained an official source.

The analysis showed that the penetration of Chinese and Russian software was "minimal," the source said.

For devices, "it’s a bit more complicated," according to the source. "There is more Chinese equipment" circulating outside of China, and the ban would require "supplier changes."

Therefore, the government does not plan to apply the ban on physical devices before 2029, to allow the industry time to adapt.

However, for software, the measure would be effective by 2027.

“Today, cars have cameras, microphones, GPS, and other technologies connected to the internet,” emphasized Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, cited in the statement.

“It doesn’t take much imagination to understand that a foreign adversary with access to this information could pose a serious risk to national security and the protection of U.S. citizens' data,” she added.

Thus, the Secretary explained, the U.S. government is determined to take "proactive" measures to "keep American roads free of Russian and Chinese technology."

U.S. trade policy is one of the key issues in the U.S. presidential campaign.

During his term, Donald Trump took a tough stance against China and imposed tariffs on products made in the People’s Republic.

This policy was largely maintained by Joe Biden after he entered the White House.

In addition to tariffs, the Biden administration restricted export opportunities to China for certain technology products, especially semiconductors and the machines used to make them.

The goal is to limit Chinese companies' access to advanced equipment purchased abroad, particularly for military purposes.

(Source: AFP, Monday, September 23, 2024)