US to Ban Chinese Technology in Cars

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Facts

• The US Department of Commerce announced plans to ban certain Chinese hardware and software from connected vehicles on Monday.^[1]
• The proposal, which would also include Russian-made car components, was first proposed in February, followed by an investigation into the potential risks surrounding electric vehicle (EV) features like sensors and other internet-connected components.^[2]
• If the plans are finalized, which the Joe Biden administration hopes to do before Jan. 20, the policy would begin banning software in 2026 for 2027 car models, and then hardware for 2030 models.^[3]
• The prohibition would apply to EVs made in China, as well as to those made by Chinese companies but manufactured around the world, including in Mexico and Europe.^[3]
• This comes after the administration, which claims the move is for national security purposes, announced 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs earlier this year.^[4]
• In response, an automotive group representing GM, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Hyundai said the amount of China-connected hardware or software that enters the US is 'very little' but argued that certain companies would have to find 'alternate suppliers.'^[1]

Sources: ^[1]Al Jazeera, ^[2]Wsj, ^[3]Reuters and ^[4]New York Times.

Narratives

• Anti-China narrative, as provided by The White House. Besides the clear economic threat posed by China's unfair EV industry, this proposal seeks to prevent serious physical threats, too. As these electric vehicle technologies are linked directly to the Chinese government, Beijing would have the power to spy on American drivers and infrastructure, not to mention sabotage these vehicles from abroad. If the White House doesn't step in, China can do whatever it wants to America and its people.
• Pro-China narrative, as provided by Globaltimes. This proposal is fearmongering at its finest. What Washington really wants is to prevent China from becoming a success in the EV market, similar to the 'made-in-China' boom of the early 2000s. Instead of working with Beijing, whose EV and solar technologies have led the world in decarbonization, a handful of US politicians have chosen to risk destroying that climate progress and hurt its own car companies for political points.

Predictions