In a growing wave of scrutiny over Chinese technology companies, Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman John Moolenaar have formally requested that the U.S. Department of Defense add Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL) to its restricted list. This request stems from concerns regarding CATL's alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the military, with the lawmakers arguing that reliance on CATL batteries could pose a threat to U.S. national security [2294a663].
The push for restrictions on CATL comes at a time when Gotion Inc., another Chinese electric vehicle battery manufacturer, is facing backlash over its planned battery plant in Michigan. Gotion's parent company, Gotion High-Tech, has been linked to programs that acquire technology for the benefit of the CCP and the People's Liberation Army, raising alarms about potential military implications [949731fc].
In response to the allegations, CATL has refuted claims that its products pose any threat, asserting that their batteries are passive and do not have military applications. The company has emphasized its commitment to transparency and compliance with international regulations [2294a663].
The scrutiny of CATL follows Duke Energy's announcement in February to phase out the use of CATL batteries at a Marine Corps base, reflecting a broader concern among U.S. lawmakers and defense officials regarding the security risks associated with Chinese technology [2294a663]. The Pentagon has previously added over a dozen Chinese companies to its restricted list, including YMTC and Megvii, as part of ongoing efforts to mitigate national security risks [2294a663].
As the debate continues, the implications of these developments extend beyond individual companies, highlighting the increasing tensions in U.S.-China relations and the critical intersection of technology and national security [949731fc].