In a revelation that has stirred deep conversations, Chinese Electric Vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer, Gotion Inc., has cast a spotlight on its intentions to establish two battery plants in Michigan. The story, as reported by the Daily Caller News Foundation on Thursday, August 31, revolves around the intricate web of connections and concerns that surround this ambitious endeavor. (news-us.feednews.com)
The heart of the issue lies within Gotion’s 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, where a startling fact emerged: Gotion High-Tech Power Energy Co., Gotion Inc.’s parent company, boasts a workforce of 923 individuals who are members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including its CEO. This revelation shrouds the venture with an aura of suspicion, hinting at potential ramifications that extend beyond the realm of electric vehicles and batteries.
Hailing from Fremont, California, Gotion Inc. finds itself under the magnifying glass, fully owned and governed by Gotion High-Tech Power Energy Co. The support of Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the endorsement by the Biden administration added wind to its sails earlier this year. However, as the pieces of this puzzle come together, an air of skepticism looms large.
The thorny issue centers around Gotion’s links to the CCP through its parent company, raising eyebrows and alarms in the process. While representatives from Gotion Inc. deny any CCP influence, a trail of Chinese-language documents suggests otherwise. Gotion High-Tech is led by a CCP member, with several hundred more party members in its employ. The roots of this connection trace back to 2010 when Gotion High-Tech established a CCP branch, subsequently elevated to a CCP committee in 2014. As of today, this committee comprises two general branches and eleven party branches, collectively housing 923 CCP members.
Notably, more than half of these members hold master’s degrees or higher, painting a picture of a highly educated and strategically placed network. ( 📰 Plastic Surgeon Alleges President Biden How Much Expended On Facial Procedures And Hair Treatments ) The CEO of Gotion High-Tech, Li Zhen, assumes the position of the party secretary within the company’s CCP committee. His influence stretches beyond boardrooms, as the ESG report highlights his leadership during a poignant visit to Anhui province’s historically significant sites.
Scrutiny on Gotion’s CCP ties was triggered by an article from The Midwesterner that referenced Gotion High-Tech’s “Articles of Association.” The document stipulated the establishment of a party organization and the execution of party activities in alignment with the Constitution of the Communist Party of China. In this framework, the party secretary assumes the role of chairman. Gotion’s North American manufacturing vice president, Chuck Thelen, pushed back against these assertions, dismissing them as fear-mongering. He categorically denied any CCP presence within the U.S.-based company, insisting that such language doesn’t exist in the U.S. company’s articles of incorporation.
Aligning with Thelen’s sentiments, a spokesperson for Gotion reiterated that Gotion Inc. operates independently, with no supervision, direction, control, or financial backing from any foreign government or political party. These assertions, it seems, are documented in the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) submission made by Gotion Inc. ( 📈 Karine Jean-Pierre Grilled About Book Alleging Biden’s Fatigue Challenges ) Yet, despite these clarifications, lawmakers remain apprehensive, casting an unwavering gaze on the potential security implications posed by Gotion’s proposed battery plant.
The planned location of the plant, within 60 miles of military armories and 100 miles from Camp Grayling, the largest U.S. National Guard training facility, has ignited concerns about national security. This unease is magnified by the fact that Camp Grayling hosts live-fire combat training exercises, transforming its sprawling 148,000-acre expanse into a strategic hub. In the midst of this uncertainty, Gotion’s response has been notably absent, leaving lawmakers and the public with more questions than answers.
As this intricate narrative unfolds, it beckons us to reflect on the intersecting realms of business, politics, and national security. The fusion of Gotion’s plans with its CCP affiliations raises profound questions about transparency, influence, and the delicate balance between innovation and safeguarding the nation’s interests. In the land of opportunity and democracy, this saga serves as a poignant reminder that the threads of global affairs are woven with complexities that transcend borders and industries. ( 📺 Poll Reveals Many Americans are Skeptical About Biden’s Alleged Corruption Despite Media Gatekeepers )
