This week, the Chinese regime suffered a major economic blow. european commission It has been decided to impose tariffs of up to 45% on electric vehicles. The United States announced similar measures last May, imposing tariffs of up to 100%. Canada plans to introduce a 100 per cent tax.
However, Mexico, a trading partner of both these countries, is moving in the opposite direction. China's great benefitsincluding finance, land, management, and preferential price discounts.
China's subsidized auto industry poses a serious threat. This is not just the usual fair trade violations or illegal transfer of intellectual property. this is already a problem National security.
Integration software between vehicle connectivity systems and autonomous driving software is a key component. of US Department of Commerce points out that this technology can not only send, receive, and collect sensitive information, but also remotely control vehicles for destructive and harmful purposes.
Concerns about Chinese cars don't end there. US lawmakers have very revealing letter He urged Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to pay attention to this national security threat. “We urge you to urgently focus on a new and growing problem: the national security risks to both countries posed by the proliferation of 'connected' vehicles manufactured by companies with deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party,” the letter said. It's dark.
U.S. lawmakers noted that Chinese automakers have made significant inroads into the Mexican market, more than tripling their share since the beginning of the decade. Data from that fleet would then be accessible to the Chinese Communist Party.
In 2023, America's major trading partners have decided to expand significantly into China. Result, $4.6 billion You can buy a car with subsidies from the communist regime. This figure is less than the $4.4 billion earmarked for U.S. car acquisitions.
“Today's cars are equipped with internet-connected cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and other technologies.” US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo: “It doesn't take much imagination to see how a foreign adversary with access to this information could pose serious risks to both national security and the privacy of American citizens. To address these national security concerns, the Department of Commerce is committed to taking and maintaining targeted, proactive measures. [Chinese] And Russian-made technology off American roads. ”
In recent years, China has used countries such as Mexico as gateways to pump low-quality, low-priced products into the U.S. market. Now they're trying to use the same strategy for cars.
China was able to become the world leader in car exports through the blood, sweat and tears of exploited workers. Its unfair trade practices include millions of dollars in subsidies and theft of intellectual property.
Big challenges await Mexico's new government. We are not just talking about corruption; murder, drug trafficking Or the establishment of an authoritarian tyranny. No, we now also need to re-evaluate high-risk business with China.
Due to the world war situation, there is a heightened sense of vigilance towards China. The Asian dragon has been conducting shady dealings with the entire hemisphere for years. No more. China trade and investment There are now strong geopolitical and military elements.
The United States and European countries have taken several steps to address the commercial and national security threats posed by China's auto industry. But there is still much work to be done.
For now, one thing is clear. Mexico, a major trading partner of the United States, cannot continue to serve as a Trojan horse for imperial China. The risks are very high and the returns are very low.
Arturo McFields is an exiled journalist, former OAS Ambassador to Nicaragua, and former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps.
