Chinese car companies are making inroads in Europe and Mexico, and recently cut a deal with Canada to sell electric vehicles there.
The Chinese government offers subsidies to its national car companies, meaning they can price their vehicles much lower than their competition.
President Trump said during a speech last month in Detroit that he could see Chinese automakers in the U.S., if they built factories and hired workers here.
Now Ford reportedly has informally proposed joint partnerships where it would split profits and share technology with Chinese firms.
Sources say that idea raises concerns among some in the Trump administration and at General Motors, who fear allowing China access will pose a threat to the U.S. economy and national security.
