Since the beginning of 2010, China has tripled its share of Mexico’s car market. Lawmakers argue this poses a national security risk to both the United States and Mexico.
Democrats in both the Senate and House of Representatives Recently sent a letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum It called on the new leaders to take action to address the threat posed by connected cars manufactured by companies with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) joins fellow Democrats Sen. Debbie Stabenow (Mich.), Sen. Gary Peters (Mich.), Sen. Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin), and 17 members of the House of Representatives. He also sent a letter to Sheinbaum asking for a “Republican Party.” Approach to Chinese vehicles and management of data collected there. ”
“Today’s cars (including those made by Chinese companies) are equipped with advanced sensors, powerful computers, and networking capabilities, and these connected cars collect, store, and transmit vast amounts of data about their occupants and their surroundings. ,” the lawmakers wrote. “This includes 3D mapping, live-action video, and personal geolocation. Chinese automakers have made significant inroads into the Mexican market, more than tripling their market share since the beginning of this decade. The data from their fleet is accessible to the Chinese Communist Party. This growth is understandably causing serious concern to us in Congress, as these vehicles receive massive state subsidies. We believe that Chinese companies are now trying to enter the U.S. market using Mexico as a base.”
Representatives who signed the letter include Elissa Slotkin (Michigan), Yadira Carabeo (Colorado), Andre Carson (Indiana), Angie Craig (Minnesota), and Don Davis. (North Carolina), Chris Deluzio (Pennsylvania), and Rep. Debbie. Dingell (Michigan State), Val Hoyle (Oregon State), Dan Kildee (Michigan State), Greg Landsman (Ohio State), Hilary Scholten (Michigan State), Mikie Sherrill (New Jersey), Greg Stanton ( (Arizona State), Haley Stevens (Michigan State), Tom Suozzi (New York State), Emilia Sykes (Ohio State), Susan Wilde (Pennsylvania State).
The United States has taken steps to counter the threat of China’s connected cars, including imposing high tariffs on car imports from China. Department of Commerce too recently announced a ban on It banned the import or sale of connected car hardware or software manufactured in China, citing national security concerns.
But given these restrictions, there is growing evidence that China is using Mexico as a backdoor to bring its cars to the U.S. market. Chinese cars are not only exported to Mexico. has increased rapidly in recent yearsbut Chinese automakers and auto parts companies Building a factory in MexicoMore will be added in the future.
In a letter to Sheinbaum, the lawmakers argue that the presence of all these connected vehicles in Mexico is a threat not only to the United States but also to Mexico. This is because the “data body” collected by these vehicles is under the control of the state. Communist Party of China.
“These vehicles can collect private personal data of individuals, gather valuable information for potential adversaries like China, and even launch cyberattacks against critical infrastructure systems,” they said. I’m writing. “In fact, China itself is aware of the sensitive capabilities of connected cars and has taken steps to restrict the operation of foreign vehicles within China accordingly.”
Specifically, the lawmakers asked Sheinbaum to “deny federal economic development incentives, such as tax breaks and reduced utility and land costs, to companies with ties to the Chinese Communist Party.” It formalizes government policy and encourages Mexican states to follow suit. suit. ”
They also asked the new president to help the nation “address the risks posed by the manufacture or sale of vehicles manufactured by Chinese companies to Mexican nationals, national security, and the regional security of North America and the countries of the Organization of American States.” It calls for the establishment of a security review process. ”
Finally, they called on Sheinbaum to send a delegation by early 2025 to meet with U.S. government officials and “discuss how our two countries can work together to address these risks.” There is.
“For decades, our two countries have cooperated on issues that affect our peoples,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have a lot of work to do on international migration, cross-border drug and arms flows, economic policy and environmental policy. And now we have a common approach to China’s vehicles and the data collected there. Management included.
