New national security measures aim to safeguard against Chinese surveillance threats.
The Biden administration has proposed a ban on Chinese-developed software in internet-connected vehicles within the United States. Officials argue that this is a proactive step to protect American citizens from potential cyber threats posed by China. This move comes after similar actions against Huawei technology and Chinese-owned platforms like TikTok.
National Security Concerns Prompt Ban
The ban is primarily driven by fears that Chinese intelligence agencies could exploit the software in cars to monitor American citizens. This could include tracking their movements or even using the vehicles as gateways to access critical infrastructure, such as the U.S. electric grid.
Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, emphasised the importance of connected vehicle technology in posing new threats. “These technologies gather vast amounts of information on drivers,” Sullivan stated. He further noted that vehicles could be linked with personal devices and critical U.S. infrastructure, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
Chinese and Russian Software Targeted
Under the proposed rule, the ban will apply to software originating from both China and Russia, though Russia’s role in vehicle software development is minimal. The plan also includes a ban on hardware integrated into vehicle connectivity systems, which will begin in 2030 for all vehicles used on U.S. public roads, including cars, trucks, and buses.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo defended the proposal as a matter of national security. She pointed out the potential for foreign adversaries to use vehicle software to track personal data, such as where individuals live or where their children attend school.
“This is not about trade or economic advantage,” Raimondo insisted. “This is purely a national security action.”
Biden Administration’s Broader Strategy
This latest move follows the administration’s ongoing efforts to curb Chinese technological influence in the U.S. Over the past few years, Washington has taken aggressive measures to restrict Chinese technology from gaining a foothold in critical American infrastructure.
The proposed software ban echoes the rationale behind previous actions, such as the investigation into Chinese-manufactured cranes used at U.S. ports and the tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. In May, the Biden administration quadrupled tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles to 100 percent, aiming to shield U.S. automakers from cheaper, heavily subsidised Chinese imports.
Long-Term Implications
Though few Chinese vehicles are currently present on U.S. roads, the Biden administration wants to get ahead of the curve. The goal is to avoid potential security threats before they become widespread. Raimondo stressed the importance of staying vigilant, noting that Chinese or Russian software could enable adversaries to cause crashes or block roads by remotely controlling vehicles.
The ban, which is set to begin with the 2027 model year, could be the final significant restriction on Chinese imports before Biden’s term ends. However, many experts believe that these measures will likely continue under future administrations, regardless of who occupies the Oval Office.
Expanding the Scope of Chinese Bans
Richard Fontaine, chief executive of the Center for a New American Security, commented on the growing list of banned Chinese imports. He noted that U.S. policymakers are increasingly concerned about the risks associated with Chinese technology. “The ‘small yard’ of restricted goods is expanding, and this will continue no matter who wins the next election,” Fontaine said.
This sentiment was echoed by Brad Setser, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, who added that the rivalry between the U.S. and China is escalating. “Security competition is increasing, and this precedent could extend to other industries,” Setser said.
Peter Harrell, a former National Security Council senior director for international economics, believes this could lead to even more sweeping actions in the future. He pointed to other potential targets, such as Chinese-made drones, which also pose security and surveillance risks.
A Digital Iron Curtain?
The Biden administration’s move is part of a broader strategy to decouple the U.S. from Chinese technology. Over the past two decades, the internet was initially viewed as a tool that would bring the U.S. and China closer together. Now, the reality is shifting towards a “digital iron curtain” between the world’s two largest economies.
Combating Chinese influence is one of the few issues that garners bipartisan support in the U.S. However, some experts believe that the country may be going too far in its fear of Beijing, potentially harming American consumers. Despite this, the restrictions on Chinese technology are expected to accelerate, regardless of the 2024 election outcome.
Future of US-China Relations
With this latest measure, the Biden administration signals that it views Chinese technology as a significant security threat. The proposed ban adds to a growing list of restrictions aimed at limiting Beijing’s access to American data and infrastructure.
As both countries become increasingly wary of each other, this ban could mark the beginning of a more pronounced separation between their technological spheres. While Chinese vehicles may not be widely present in the U.S. yet, the administration is intent on ensuring they never pose a risk to national security.
This strategy is likely to continue shaping U.S.-China relations in the coming years, as both nations grapple with the consequences of a digitally divided world.
