Sen. Hawley urges DOJ probe of Chinese trucking company

Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, has called on the Justice Department to investigate TuSimple Holdings, a Chinese-owned self-driving trucking company, for allegedly sharing proprietary data and sensitive technology with state-linked entities in Beijing. This move comes after recent reports from the Wall Street Journal revealed that TuSimple had been sharing American intellectual property with China in violation of a 2022 national security agreement with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

In a letter addressed to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Hawley expressed concerns about TuSimple’s actions, which he described as a “blatant disregard” for national security. He cited evidence that the company had shared proprietary data, source code, and autonomous driving technologies with Chinese state-linked entities, as well as connections with Chinese military-affiliated manufacturers.

Despite signing a national security agreement with the U.S. government in 2022, TuSimple continued to share sensitive information with China, prompting Hawley to call for a formal investigation by the Justice Department. The senator emphasized the need for consequences for the company’s actions, which he sees as a threat to American technological leadership.

Hawley’s letter outlined specific steps for the Justice Department to take in its investigation, including determining whether TuSimple provided protected information to Chinese-based entities and assessing the company’s compliance with the national security agreement. He also raised concerns about Bot Auto, a Texas-based self-driving vehicle company founded by former TuSimple employees, urging the DOJ to ensure it is not engaging in similar behavior.

The Wall Street Journal report highlighted TuSimple’s role in shaping Commerce Department regulations that restricted the sale of internet-linked cars and components with ties to China. While a CFIUS investigation found that TuSimple’s tech sharing did not violate the national security agreement, the company faced fines for other infractions and paid a $6 million settlement.

Hawley’s call for an investigation into TuSimple reflects his broader concerns about Chinese Communist Party influence on U.S. companies and the protection of intellectual property. As the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, Hawley has been a vocal critic of Chinese government activities and their impact on American interests.

In conclusion, Senator Hawley’s request for a Justice Department investigation into TuSimple underscores the importance of safeguarding American technology and holding companies accountable for violating national security agreements. The outcome of this investigation will be crucial in determining the extent of Chinese influence in the U.S. self-driving trucking industry and ensuring the protection of sensitive information.