It is possible that Chinese electric vehicles will eventually be seen on American roads, according to Raimondo.

• Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Commerce Secretary, stated in an exclusive interview with CNBC's Eunice Yoon that Chinese electric cars may be able to drive on U.S. roads in the future if there are sufficient government controls over software and sensors.
• "Raimondo stated that it is possible to see those vehicles on US roads, but only if there are significant controls and conditions in place regarding the software and sensors used in those cars."
• During her two-day visit to the Philippines, she led a group of 22 senior executives from U.S. businesses and non-profit organizations.

Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Commerce Secretary, stated in an exclusive interview with CNBC's Eunice Yoon that Chinese electric cars may be able to drive on U.S. roads in the future if there are sufficient government controls over software and sensors.

"Raimondo stated that it is possible to see those vehicles on US roads, but only if there are significant controls and conditions in place regarding the software and sensors used in those cars."

Electric vehicles today often come equipped with driver-assist software and in-car entertainment that can be synced with mobile phones, in addition to using a battery instead of gasoline for power.

The Department of Commerce will investigate whether imported "connected vehicles" from China pose national security risks, as raised concerns about data collection.

Raimondo stated that Beijing could obtain data about location or personal messages transmitted through Chinese-made vehicles, and therefore, it is crucial to safeguard the American people from the threat posed by China.

She stated that it is irrelevant where the cars are manufactured, whether in Mexico or Beijing.

The Chinese government will never request foreign companies or individuals to gather data or intelligence in violation of local laws.

The possibility of Beijing gaining access to data has prompted U.S. lawmakers to consider a bill that could prohibit TikTok from operating domestically. The app, which is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company, has become increasingly popular among users.

When asked about the bill, Raimondo asserted her support for such legislation.

"We may not be able to completely eliminate the risks [from TikTok], but we might be able to reduce them with the right tools. Additionally, a ban could also be a viable option."

Raimondo stated that the U.S. is making significant progress in securing supply chains, particularly in semiconductors.

Promoting investments outside China

During her two-day visit to the Philippines, Raimondo, accompanied by a delegation of 22 senior executives from U.S. businesses and non-profit organizations, spoke on the sidelines.

According to a Department of Commerce release, over $1 billion in investments have been recently completed or planned by the delegates in the Philippines.

The Philippines' Secretary of Trade and Industry, Alfredo E. Pascual, expressed his welcome of the opportunity to strengthen U.S. efforts to "friendshore" or secure its supply chain, according to Yoon.

"Pascual stated in an exclusive interview that while they are happy about the situation, they are not cutting ties with any other country by doing so. China remains their biggest trading partner and their biggest source for imports, so the relationship continues."

Raimondo stated that her travels to Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, were not aimed at China but rather aimed at establishing the US as the preferred partner for businesses in the region.

The U.S. readout showcased the investments of companies such as Google, Mastercard, and Microsoft in the Philippines.

Sol-Go, a U.S.-based solar panel company, announced plans to build a new factory in a free trade zone in the Philippines to sell products worldwide, said Scott McHugo, CEO and chairman of the company.

Since 2014, the company has been operating in the Philippines and has established connections with local manufacturers, leading Sol-Go to forgo Vietnam and Turkey for this investment choice.

McHugo stated that after the completion of the current project, which cost more than $5 million and took approximately 18 months, he would be open to considering investments in other countries, including China, where he has been conducting business for over a decade.