US worries China is secretly installing information-gathering devices in cars

Electric cars are prepared to be loaded onto ships for export in Shandong Province, China.

US President Joe Biden has announced an investigation into the national security risks posed by Chinese technology in cars, warning that they could be used to collect sensitive information, AFP reported on March 1.

China responded angrily, criticizing the investigation as discriminatory and accusing the US of "weaponizing" trade issues.

Mr Biden has directed the Commerce Department to launch an investigation, focusing on connected vehicles containing technology from “countries of concern” such as China, to address threats.

"China is determined to dominate the future of the auto market, including through unfair practices. China's policies could flood our markets with vehicles that pose a risk to our national security," the US president said in a statement.

The US is trying to reduce the auto industry's dependence on China - the world's second-largest economy. The US has introduced tax breaks for domestic electric vehicles and batteries, while trying to build domestic manufacturing capacity.

The latest move involves vehicles that are constantly connected to personal devices, other cars, America's infrastructure and their manufacturers, including electric and self-driving cars.

The White House says connected vehicles collect vast amounts of data about drivers and passengers, log information about US infrastructure through cameras and sensors, and can be remotely controlled or disabled.

“New vulnerabilities” could arise if foreign governments gain access to their systems or data, according to the White House.

The Commerce Department will collect information during the investigation, with a 60-day public comment period. Authorities could then impose restrictions on some transactions, but officials have not given a timeline.

Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said China "firmly opposes" the US's generalization of national security and the "weaponization" of economic and trade issues.

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