China on Friday refuted the U.S. government's attempt to take "unprecedented action" to restrict Chinese vehicle imports, warning the politicization of economic and trade issues will only hinder the development of the U.S. auto industry.

The White House said on Thursday it is opening an investigation into whether Chinese vehicle imports pose national security risks and could impose restrictions due to concerns about "connected" car technology. The move was described by U.S. President Joe Biden as an "unprecedented action."

"We urge the U.S. side to respect the laws of market economy and the principle of fair competition, stop overstretching the concept of national security and stop discriminating against and suppressing Chinese enterprises," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular press briefing.

Mao noted that Chinese automobiles are popular around the world because of their technological innovations and superior quality developed in the midst of fierce market competition, not because of so-called unfair practices.

China exported a total of 4.91 million vehicles in 2023, expected to become the world's largest auto exporter, according to the country's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in January.

(Cover: Workers producing cars in a factory in Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, September 12, 2023. /CFP)