Memphis Standard

On September 11, 2024, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, sent a letter to several Chinese automakers urging them to disclose their ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The senators highlighted national security concerns associated with importing these vehicles into the United States.

China has recently become the second-largest exporter of vehicles globally, significantly impacting the global automotive market with Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). The CCP's control over industries in China raises serious concerns about potential access to sensitive personal data and critical infrastructure through connected technology in these vehicles. The proliferation of Chinese-made connected cars in the U.S. could theoretically allow the CCP to control or disable these vehicles at will.

The letter was addressed to leaders of Geely Holding, Great Wall Motors Group, SAIC Motor, Chery Automobile, FAW Group, Dongfeng Motor, BYD, and GAC Group.

"The global automotive market is being flooded with Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). In fact, in 2023, China became the second largest exporter of vehicles in the world. Given the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s control of industry in China, we are deeply concerned that Chinese automakers are beholden to the regime and that the technology used in Chinese-made automobiles could be leveraged by the CCP for nefarious purposes. The data security of both American citizens and the critical infrastructure of our nation must be prioritized," stated Blackburn and Peters.

Experts have raised alarms about potential unauthorized access by CCP intelligence agencies to data stored or accessible by companies incorporated in China. This concern extends particularly to connected vehicle systems manufactured by these companies. "It is well documented that the CCP and Chinese intelligence agencies are provided access to data stored in China or accessible by companies incorporated in China for the purpose of ‘national security.’ Specifically, experts have sounded the alarm regarding the control of data for connected vehicles manufactured by companies incorporated in China," noted Blackburn and Peters.

Modern vehicles equipped with video cameras and sensors capable of continuous monitoring pose additional risks if controlled by adversaries. These technologies could potentially map critical infrastructure, track movements of U.S. citizens, provide access to the electric grid, and conduct general surveillance. Over-the-Air (OTA) update systems found in Chinese-made vehicles also raise significant security concerns due to their vulnerability to malicious activity.

"The CCP has made clear that they intend to make the 21st century a ‘Chinese Century,’ with domination of the global automotive market being a key piece of their strategy. The United States has a responsibility—for the sake of the next generation of Americans and the world at large—to ensure that does not become a reality… As the potential national security threat posed by connected vehicles becomes more acute, we believe you must make clear the depth and nature of your ties to the CCP," urged Blackburn and Peters.

For further details on this matter, click here for full text of their letter.