China has issued a strong response to the United States’ recent moves to investigate and potentially restrict Chinese vehicle imports, cautioning that such actions could hinder the growth of the U.S. auto industry.
On Thursday, the White House announced an investigation into whether imports of Chinese vehicles pose national security risks, particularly concerning advanced \”connected\” car technology. U.S. President Joe Biden described the initiative as an \”unprecedented action,\” signaling heightened tensions in the automotive sector between the two nations.
\”We urge the U.S. side to respect the laws of market economy and the principle of fair competition,\” said Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, during a regular press briefing on Friday. \”Stop overstretching the concept of national security and stop discriminating against and suppressing Chinese enterprises.\”
Mao emphasized that the global popularity of Chinese automobiles stems from technological innovation and superior quality achieved through fierce market competition, rather than any \”unfair practices\” as suggested by U.S. officials.
China’s automotive industry has seen significant growth, with exports totaling 4.91 million vehicles in 2023. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China is expected to become the world’s largest auto exporter, reflecting its expanding influence in the global market.
The escalating trade tensions arrive amid broader concerns over economic and technological competition between the two countries. Industry experts warn that politicizing trade issues could lead to unintended consequences for the U.S. auto sector, potentially disrupting supply chains and limiting consumer choices.
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China says U.S. politicizing trade issues will hinder its own auto industry
cgtn.com
