US Plans to Ban Chinese and Russian Tech in Cars Over Security Concerns

The US government is set to ban certain hardware and software made in China and Russia from American cars, trucks, and buses, citing national security risks. Officials are concerned that technology used for autonomous driving and vehicle network connectivity could be exploited by foreign adversaries to “remotely manipulate cars on American roads.”

Though current use of Chinese or Russian-made software in US vehicles is minimal, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stressed the importance of taking “targeted, proactive” measures. She highlighted how modern cars, equipped with cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and internet connections, could be vulnerable to cyberattacks, posing a significant risk to national security and the privacy of US citizens.

China’s Foreign Ministry responded by criticizing the move, accusing the US of unfairly broadening the definition of national security to discriminate against Chinese companies. Lin Jian, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, urged the US to adhere to market principles and create a fair business environment for Chinese firms.

The proposal, which is now open for public comment, is part of broader efforts by the Biden administration to reduce China’s role in the US automotive supply chain. This includes raising tariffs on electric vehicles and batteries, as well as banning Chinese-made cargo cranes over similar cybersecurity concerns.