US investigates whether Chinese cars pose a “safety risk”

2024-02-29 18:24:28

All about China

All about the United States

The United States government will investigate whether imports of Chinese vehicles pose risks to national security. The measure is yet another struggle between the countries and could result in the adoption of restrictions on cars sold by Beijing.

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Information collected by Chinese vehicles could be a threat to the USA (Image: metamorworks/Shutterstock)

Fear over data collected by Chinese cars

According to the US Department of Commerce, the investigation is necessary to determine the vehicles’ use of sensitive data collected about drivers and passengers. Additionally, Chinese cars could use their cameras and sensors to record detailed information about the country’s infrastructure, according to the White House.

U.S. government officials said it was too early to say what steps might be taken and that there had been no decision so far on a potential ban or restrictions on Chinese vehicles. Despite this, they confirm that the authorities have legal powers to do so.

Recently, President Joe Biden cited “unprecedented action to ensure that cars on U.S. roads from countries like China do not harm national security.” The information is from Reuters.

Investigation is yet another point of tension between China and the United States (Image: Dilok Klaisataporn/Shutterstock)

Dispute between USA and China

• The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not officially commented on the matter.
• Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association, said it would be unfair to ban imports of vehicles from a certain country.
• Remembering that the USA has already announced rules to reduce the country’s dependence on batteries and other Chinese products used to manufacture electric vehicles, for example.
• Last December, Beijing accused Americans of violating international trade rules by disrupting global supply chains.
• On the other hand, the White House claims that the Chinese impose significant restrictions on automobiles from the United States and other countries.
• In recent years, China has tightened supervision over data management within its territory and most industries must request permission before this information can be transferred abroad.