The partnership between Ford Motor Company and the China-based battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) is drawing serious scrutiny. With CATL's alleged connections to the Chinese military, the situation raises alarming questions about national security and the integrity of American manufacturing.
CATL's Military Ties Raise Alarms
According to reports, the U.S. Defense Department has categorized CATL as a Chinese Military Company, signaling red flags for American corporations. This classification raises concerns about the potential infiltration of American industries by firms connected to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). With CATL taking an active role in hiring for Ford's new plant in Marshall, Michigan, the assurances of an American-owned operation ring hollow.
Ford's Promises Under Scrutiny
Ford has publicly stated that the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan will be wholly owned and operated by its American executives. However, job listings from CATL's American subsidiary, Contemporary Amperex Technology Kentucky (CATK), contradict these claims. Listings for critical roles at the facility indicate that CATL is not just a technology provider but may be managing the workforce directly, which raises questions about the true nature of Ford's partnership.
China's CATL posts first quarterly profit fall since 2022 ...
Concerns About Due Diligence
Joseph Cella, former U.S. ambassador and a key figure in the Michigan-China Economic Security Review Group, has voiced concerns regarding the lack of due diligence in approving this project. Cella notes that the parties involved—Ford, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and Governor Gretchen Whitmer—failed to adhere to federal guidelines meant to safeguard against partnerships with Chinese firms. The rushed nature of this deal could jeopardize national security and waste taxpayer dollars.
Legislative Backlash from Michigan Republicans
Republicans in the Michigan legislature have raised alarms about the implications of partnering with CATL. They argue that the state government did not adequately vet this project, especially given CATL’s documented connections to forced labor and other human rights violations in China. The potential for espionage and industrial sabotage is a lingering fear among legislators, as the proximity of these operations to sensitive military sites like Camp Grayling cannot be ignored.
Pentagon doubles number of news outlets to 'rotate' out from ...
Governor Whitmer's Role in the Controversy
Despite these criticisms, Governor Whitmer and the MEDC have pushed forward with substantial taxpayer subsidies for Ford's battery plant. The state is reportedly committing around $850 million in incentives based on promises of job creation and economic growth. Critics contend that these subsidies are reckless, given the known risks associated with CATL. The governor’s willingness to overlook these red flags reflects a troubling trend of prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term national security.
Alternative Solutions Ignored
Given the national security implications, alternative partnerships with companies from allied nations like Japan and South Korea should be considered. Instead, the state has doubled down on its partnership with a firm that poses clear risks to American interests. Lawmakers have urged a comprehensive review of the project to assess the financial and security threats posed by Ford’s collaboration with CATL.
As the situation unfolds, the implications for American manufacturing, national security, and the integrity of our democratic processes are profound. The American public deserves transparency and accountability from both corporate and government leaders in these critical matters.
December 8, 2022 Brittney Griner and Russia-Ukraine news | CNN
