Canada is exploring the possibility of following the United States in banning the sale of vehicles equipped with smart devices utilizing Chinese technology, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
With the increasing incorporation of technology in automobiles, which can connect to personal devices, other vehicles, and infrastructure, including electric and autonomous cars, the risks associated with foreign technology have become more pronounced.
Canada has expressed serious concerns regarding the perceived excessive influence of China and the security threats it poses. As a response, the government has already taken decisive actions, such as imposing a 100% tariff on the import of Chinese electric vehicles.
This tariff, implemented in August, aligns with a similar US initiative aimed at curbing the influx of state-supported Chinese vehicles into North America. Canada is also likely to consider additional tariffs on Chinese batteries, technology products, and critical minerals in the near future.
China has criticized Canada's actions as unjust and has referred the matter to the World Trade Organization (WTO) for resolution.