U.S. proposes ban on Chinese auto parts so cars 'can't be used against us'

The U.S. Commerce Department proposed Monday a national security ban on certain Chinese and Russian-made car parts from U.S. roads starting in 2027. The proposed rule comes after President Biden ordered an investigation in February into whether Chinese vehicles pose a national security risk.

If enacted, the ban would focus on hardware and software that connects vehicles to the outside world — such as Bluetooth and satellite modules — and driverless systems.

"We've already seen ample evidence of [China] pre-positioning malware on a critical infrastructure for the purpose of disruption and sabotage," Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, said on a call with reporters. "And with potentially millions of vehicles on the road, each with 10- to 15-year life spans, the risk of disruption and sabotage increases dramatically."

Earlier this year, FBI Director Christopher Wray warned Congress that China was targeting American water treatment plants, pipelines and power grids.

Beyond national security, Sullivan said the ban would give U.S. drivers added personal security. With cars collecting geolocation, audio and video data — Chinese and Russian software and hardware can't be trusted, Sullivan said.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo called the proposed ban — issued by her department's Bureau of Industry and Security team — a "proactive" step since there are currently "very few Chinese cars" on U.S. roads.

In 2023, 104,000 Chinese-made cars were sold in the U.S. — a 45% increase from the year before — according to Business Insider.

"We'll secure our cars and we'll secure the American people, including our children, from potential surveillance, remote access and control, and protecting Americans from bad actors