China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has voiced strong opposition to the United States' newly proposed regulations aimed at restricting the use of connected vehicles originating from China.
Introduced on Monday, the U.S. regulations also seek to limit the use of software and hardware associated with connected vehicle technology, raising concerns among Chinese officials.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, MOFCOM criticized the U.S. for its longstanding imposition of high tariffs on Chinese automobiles, exclusion of Chinese vehicles from government procurement processes, and implementation of what it describes as discriminatory subsidy policies.
MOFCOM accused the U.S. of leveraging national security concerns as a pretext to malign Chinese vehicle technology, thereby imposing additional restrictions on their use within the United States. According to MOFCOM, these actions lack factual basis and contravene principles of market economy and fair competition, typifying protectionist behavior.
The ministry further stated that the U.S. measures have significantly disrupted normal cooperation between China and the U.S. in the realm of connected vehicles, distorted the global automotive supply chain, and will ultimately harm American consumers.
MOFCOM characterized the U.S. practices as economic coercion, highlighting them as attempts by the U.S. government to interfere with business collaborations. The ministry called on the U.S. to cease generalizing national security concerns, promptly withdraw the restrictive measures, and stop the unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises.
China pledged to take necessary actions to resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of its businesses, MOFCOM added.
Reference(s):
China opposes U.S. proposed regulations on connected vehicles
cgtn.com
