Blackburn, Peters Probe Chinese Automakers on Ties to the Chinese Communist Party to Safeguard U.S. Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, 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 make their ties to the Chinese Communist Party clear and highlighting the national security concerns these ties raise if their vehicles are imported into the U.S.

Last year, China became the second largest exporter of vehicles in the world, and the global automotive market has been flooded with Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). The Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) control of industry in China poses serious concerns that the CCP could leverage certain connected technology to access sensitive personal data and critical infrastructure. If Chinese-made connected cars proliferate in the U.S., the CCP could theoretically control or disable these vehicles at will.

Senators Blackburn and Peters sent this letter to the leaders of Geely Holding, Great Wall Motors Group, SAIC Motor, Chery Automobile, FAW Group, Dongfeng Motor, BYD, and GAC Group.

Growing Chinese Global Automotive Manufacturing Sparks Concerns About Security of U.S. Data and Critical Infrastructure

"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."

Experts Have Sounded the Alarm on Potential for CCP Unauthorized Access to Vehicle Systems

"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, particularly when it comes to the potential for unauthorized access by the CCP to vehicle systems, data collection, and surveillance capabilities embedded within the vehicle's technology."

CCP Access to Video Cameras and Over-the-Air Update Systems Raise Serious Security Concerns

"Modern vehicles are equipped with video cameras and sensors both within and outside the vehicle that are capable of continuously monitoring the vehicle's surroundings and passengers… In the hands of our adversaries-they could be used to map our critical infrastructure and roads, track the movements of U.S. citizens, provide access to the electric grid, and generally surveil Americans… Over-the-Air (OTA) update systems found in Chinese-made vehicles also raise security concerns. OTA updates-or the digital software updates intended to ensure that a vehicle runs efficiently and safely-in a Chinese-made vehicle could be vulnerable to malicious activity, opening a window for an adversary to push compromised software to Americans' vehicles. If Chinese-made EVs proliferate in the U.S., the CCP could theoretically control or disable vehicles in the United States at will."

Chinese Automakers Must Be Honest About Ties to the CCP

"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, as well as your future plans to potentially import vehicles into the U.S. market."

Clickhere for the full text of the letter.

https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/9/blackburn-peters-probe-chinese-automakers-on-ties-to-the-chinese-communist-party-to-safeguard-u-s-security