Can China-made cars be used for espionage in US? Joe Biden launches probe

US President Joe Biden recently launched an investigation that seeks to probe if China-made cars can be used for espionage-related activities in his country.

Although the number of China-made cars on US roads are microscopically few at present, the probe will reportedly focus on the chances of technologies used in such vehicles that may also be used for spying.

As Biden begins his bid to get re-elected as the US President, a key focus area is to push back against Chinese car makers looking at expanding their respective presence in key global markets. The White House has highlighted that the recently-launched probe will look at the potential of connected cars posing a risk to national security and if these can open ‘new avenues for espionage and sabotage.’

The threat from China carmakers is very real. Most Chinese brands have the capacity to manufacture units in huge numbers and then offer these at prices that are less than what existing manufacturers’ models command. China is the world’s largest car and electric car market and companies such as BYD, Xpeng and NIO have been targeting foreign shores for some time now.

( BYD ha no plans to enter ‘confused US market yet)

There is mammoth resistance to Chinese auto brands entering US market with American carmakers in particular ready to press the panic button.