MONIN: Are Chinese EVs a threat to Canada’s national security?

Canada imported 15,603 Chinese EVs as of mid-September 2026.

The Cybersecurity Law of 2017 and Data Security Law of 2021 notably require that companies must support and assist Chinese authorities in the pursuit of its security interests.

Data collected by Chinese EV automakers could therefore become accessible to the Chinese government upon request.

Its economy ministry says it will block Chinese-branded cars from the market “based on considerations of national security, vehicle safety, information security, and industrial development.”

The Biden administration came to a similar conclusion about the dangers of importing Chinese EVs.