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Tariffs and restrictions may protect American automakers temporarily, but they don’t address the underlying problem: China has built a highly competitive auto industry through enormous investment, efficient supply chains, manufacturing scale, and rapid technological development. Chinese automakers’ share of the global market has grown dramatically while America’s has remained largely stagnant. Rather than simply keeping Chinese cars out, we should use access to the enormous American market as leverage. China once required foreign automakers to partner with Chinese companies, helping China develop its own automotive expertise and supply chains. The United States should consider a reverse version of that strategy. If Chinese automakers want access to the U.S. market, require them to: Build vehicles in the United States with American workers. Partner with American companies and suppliers. Share appropriate manufacturing and technical expertise so American industry can learn and compete. This could turn a serious threat into an opportunity. Instead of simply importing Chinese technology—or trying indefinitely to keep it out—we could bring factories, jobs, skills, and knowledge here. Of course, national security and sensitive technologies must be protected. But protecting American industry from competition is not the same as making American industry competitive. If Chinese automakers are going to become major global competitors, America needs to learn, invest, and innovate—not simply build higher walls. I urge you to consider policies that use America’s enormous consumer market as leverage to strengthen American manufacturing, workers, and technological capabilities.