In a recent development, it has been revealed that a Chinese electric vehicle battery manufacturer, Gotion Inc., approached a small town in Alabama last year with a proposal to develop a factory. However, the town officials ultimately rejected the plan due to concerns over national security. The incident, which had remained unreported until now, sheds light on the company’s attempts to establish a presence in the United States.
Gotion Inc., based in Hefei, China, and with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) apparatus, approached the Shoals Economic Development Authority to gauge interest in the project. The proposal aimed to develop a factory on the site of the shuttered FreightCar America factory in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. However, upon learning more about Gotion and its ties to the CCP, local officials decided to reject the project.
The rejection by the Alabama town came before Gotion secured deals in Michigan and Illinois. The company eventually received commitments from these states to develop a battery component facility and a battery cell factory, respectively. This raises questions about the decision-making process of the governors of Michigan and Illinois, who have enthusiastically welcomed Gotion projects despite concerns about the company’s ties to the CCP.
Opposition to Gotion’s development in Big Rapids, Michigan, has been spearheaded by former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella, who has raised concerns about the project’s rapid progress and lack of transparency. Locals, national security experts, and Republican lawmakers have also expressed alarm over Gotion High-Tech’s ties to the CCP.
Gotion’s corporate bylaws reveal that the company is required to carry out activities in accordance with the Constitution of the Communist Party of China. Additionally, the company’s 2022 ESG report highlights its engagement in thematic education activities related to the CCP. Furthermore, Gotion Inc. was registered as a Chinese foreign principal earlier this year, according to FARA filings.
Despite the controversy surrounding the company, Gotion has vigorously defended its development plans in the U.S. The company claims that its parent company is publicly owned and that the CCP has no influence over its operations. However, critics argue that the CCP’s attempts to establish a presence in the American heartland through Gotion’s projects should not be taken lightly.
Republican Alabama Sen. Katie Britt emphasizes the need for vigilance in protecting American interests and safeguarding the country’s future. She warns that the CCP’s ambitions extend to critical industries, supply chains, and land across the United States.
The article concludes by highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding Gotion’s ties to the CCP and the implications of its development projects in Michigan and Illinois. As the company continues to expand its presence in the U.S., it remains crucial to closely monitor its activities and their potential impact on national security.
In summary, the rejection of Gotion’s proposal in Alabama raises concerns about the company’s ties to the CCP and its ambitions in the United States. As Gotion secures deals in Michigan and Illinois, questions arise about the decision-making process of the governors involved. Critics argue for increased vigilance and caution in protecting American interests against Chinese economic aggression. The controversy surrounding Gotion’s projects underscores the ongoing debate about the CCP’s influence and the need for comprehensive oversight.
