The planned $2.4 billion battery factory by Gotion in Green Charter Township is facing opposition from local residents, marking a significant setback for the company's broader U.S. operations. The resistance, characterized by "No Gotion" yard signs and Facebook (NASDAQ:META) groups, has been fueled by perceptions of Chinese Communist Party infiltration, leading to a recall election.
The project has drawn criticism from Nikki Haley's campaign, which has taken issue with Michigan’s governor for supporting the endeavor. Simultaneously, Treasury Secretary Yellen is under pressure to withhold subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act, a legislation aimed at promoting foreign investments in electric vehicles (EVs).
Township supervisor Jim Chapman and other supporters of Gotion's project countered these criticisms. They denied any political ties to China and emphasized the economic benefits that the battery factory would bring to the area.
Despite the backlash, some reports highlight the complex dynamics of Chinese investments in the U.S. For instance, a study by Rhodium Group and an estimate from Coalition for a Prosperous America underscored the multifaceted nature of such investments.
Gotion's operations in other states have not been mentioned in the context of this controversy in Green Charter Township. The company is yet to comment on how this opposition might impact its overall U.S. strategy or operations elsewhere.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.