The targets of the vehicle ban — China’s CRRC Corp (中國 中車) and BYD Co (比亞迪) — are two “name cards” representing Beijing’s Go Out policy, which encourages Chinese companies to invest overseas. By taking aim at these two companies, the ban is an extension of the trade and technology dispute between the US and China. Green vehicles and railway equipment are listed among the 10 key industries in Beijing’s “Made in China 2025” strategy. The US is also concerned that as BYD evolves into a global electric vehicle giant, Beijing could dominate traffic and transportation technology. Rouda and Cornyn’s proposal was backed by interest groups such as the Alliance for American Manufacturing and the Rail Security Alliance, with assistance from the US national security system behind the scenes.
