Beijing, China—China’s commerce ministry on Wednesday said it “firmly opposes” US plans to ban the sale of connected vehicles incorporating Chinese and Russian technology, citing national security risks.
“The US practice has no factual basis, violates the principles of market economy and fair competition, and is a typical protectionist act,” a ministry spokesperson said.
The proposed rule is part of President Joe Biden’s hardening approach to the world’s second-biggest economy and comes after an announcement in February of a probe into security risks posed by Chinese tech in cars.
Electronics are increasingly integrated into modern cars, which can connect to personal devices, other vehicles, US infrastructure and their manufacturers—including electric and self-driving cars.
“China urges the United States to stop its wrong practice of generalizing national security, immediately revoke the relevant restrictions, and stop its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies,” the commerce ministry said.
“China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies,” it added.
The rule unveiled Monday by the American Department of Commerce covers the software and hardware that connect vehicles to the outside world.
