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The United States Prohibits Chinese and Russian Technology in New Personal Vehicles
The United States has finalized a regulation that effectively prohibits the use of Chinese and Russian technology in new personal vehicles sold on American roads, citing national security concerns.
This announcement comes as President Joe Biden’s administration intensifies efforts to limit the presence of technology from adversarial nations, including China and Russia.
The rule, which concludes a months-long regulatory process, aligns with broader measures targeting foreign-made technology, including a recent proposal to address risks associated with drones utilizing components from these nations.
Rationale Behind the Decision
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the rationale behind the decision, stating, “Cars today aren’t just steel on wheels—they’re computers.” She noted that this targeted measure aims to keep technology from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia off American roads.
National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard echoed these concerns, stating that “China is trying to dominate the future of the auto industry.” She warned that connected vehicles containing foreign-linked software or hardware could lead to the misuse of sensitive data or potential interference.
Regulation Details
The US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security outlined the rule, declaring that technologies from China and Russia pose “an undue and unacceptable risk to US national security.” The regulation prohibits the import or sale of connected vehicles equipped with hardware or software that have a significant nexus to China or Russia.
Additionally, it bans manufacturers with ties to these nations from selling vehicles made in the US within the domestic market.
The restrictions apply to passenger vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds (approximately 4.5 tonnes) or less, with implementation staggered between model years 2027 and 2030. A separate regulatory process targeting commercial vehicles, such as buses and trucks, is planned, leaving final decisions on this matter to the incoming administration.
Biden Administration’s Efforts
This move is part of the Biden administration’s broader effort to address challenges posed by Chinese technology before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. Among other initiatives, the administration has launched a probe into Chinese semiconductor chips, which could result in new tariffs. These measures reflect a concerted attempt to safeguard US interests following growing concerns over data security and technological dominance.
