More than two dozen Democratic lawmakers have called on US President Donald Trump to maintain existing restrictions on Chinese carmakers and vehicle technology ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

President Trump is due to meet Xi on Thursday in Washington, with discussions expected to cover the countries’ trade agreement, artificial intelligence, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and other geopolitical issues.

Representative Debbie Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan, is leading a group of 27 lawmakers calling on Trump to retain restrictions on Chinese cars and connected vehicle technology.

In a letter to the president, the lawmakers said:

“We urge you to maintain strong protections against Chinese automobiles and connected vehicle technologies and ensure that China does not gain access to our market through direct imports, local production, and other avenues of circumvention.”

Dingell also posted a video message on social media on Monday, saying she was seeking to protect US vehicle manufacturing and prevent any agreement with China that would allow Chinese manufacturers greater access to the American market.

She claimed that the Chinese government subsidises vehicle production by more than 50% of its cost, while also accusing China of currency manipulation and the use of forced labour.

Dingell said Chinese vehicle exports were now also a concern for North America, arguing that US manufacturers and workers could compete with Chinese producers if they were operating on a level playing field.

The US has already introduced restrictions targeting Chinese connected vehicle technology and tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles, reflecting wider concerns in Washington over competition, supply chains and data security.

The lawmakers’ intervention comes as the Trump administration prepares for talks with Beijing that could have implications for the future of Chinese vehicle manufacturers seeking access to the US market.

(Picture: Yay Images)