Biden orders investigation into security risks of Chinese-made cars

US President Joe Biden has instructed the US Secretary of Commerce to launch an investigation into potential security risks posed by Chinese-made cars, as reported by The Washington Post.

In a statement from the White House, Biden emphasized the need to ensure that vehicles from countries like China do not compromise national security. He directed the Commerce Secretary to investigate connected vehicles with technology from concerning countries and take necessary actions to mitigate risks.

Biden highlighted China’s efforts to dominate the auto market and the potential flooding of the US market with Chinese vehicles, which could pose security risks. He expressed concern that connected vehicles from China could collect sensitive data about Americans and their infrastructure, potentially sending it back to China.

The President emphasized the importance of keeping the future of the auto industry in the US and ensuring that it is made by American workers. He questioned why connected vehicles from China should be allowed to operate in the US without safeguards, given China’s restrictions on American and foreign autos operating in China.

The investigation, led by the US Commerce Department, will not immediately restrict the import or sale of Chinese-manufactured cars. The focus is on high-tech software, cameras, and sensors in these vehicles that could be used for data collection or sabotage.

This move by Biden mirrors the US administration’s actions against Huawei, accusing the Chinese telecom giant of posing security risks. The investigation will determine if the previous executive order issued under the Trump administration regarding protecting domestic information and communications technology from national security threats applies to Chinese-made vehicles.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the need for the investigation to prevent potential national security threats from Chinese-manufactured vehicles becoming widespread in the US.