BEIJING — More than 70 House Democrats urged President Donald Trump to keep Chinese cars and carmakers out of the U.S. market ahead of his upcoming summit with the President of the People's Republic of China in Beijing. Trump hopes to secure assurances from the Chinese that they will purchase large quantities of American soybeans when he returns from Beijing.

In a letter to the president, the lawmakers demanded that the United States maintain high tariffs on Chinese cars and ban Chinese companies from manufacturing cars in the country. They said 5% of gross domestic product and 10 million jobs are at stake, and criticized government subsidies and labor practices that have enabled Chinese companies to sell cars at low prices. "As you prepare for your upcoming summit with the President of the People's Republic of China, any effort to lower barriers for Chinese automobiles or otherwise facilitate their entry into the US market would pose a direct threat to American manufacturing, workers, and national security," the letter said.

China is the world's largest auto exporter, and Chinese carmakers would like to manufacture cars in the United States. Japanese car companies began manufacturing cars in the U.S. around 40 years ago.

Four made-in-China cars are currently available in the United States: the Buick Envision, Lincoln Nautilus, Volvo S90, and Polestar 2. General Motors said it will move production of the Buick Envision to the United States in 2028. GM has a joint-venture partner for the Envision in Shanghai. Until recently, China required foreign direct investors setting up manufacturing operations to form joint ventures with Chinese partners structured to ensure technology transfer.

Chinese electric vehicle models tend to have longer battery range and better digital platforms and infotainment systems than many competitors. The chief executive of Ford called the Chinese "the 700-pound gorilla in the EV industry" in remarks describing the competitive landscape.