Controversy over Chinese factory investment in American town

As the US presidential campaign enters its final month, voters face a key question: which candidate is best equipped to navigate the risks and rewards of foreign investment on their doorstep.

Green Charter Township in Michigan, USA. Photo: CNA

The Michigan community of Green Charter is deeply divided over a proposed electric vehicle (EV) battery plant. While the project promises thousands of jobs, opponents are concerned about the company behind the plant’s ties to China.

With the US presidential campaign approaching, voters face an important question: will Kamala Harris or Donald Trump better handle the risks and opportunities of these foreign investments?

The town of Green Charter, with a population of just over 3,000, is normally peaceful, but tensions have flared over the planned construction of a $2.4 billion electric vehicle battery plant by Gotion, a Chinese company. The plant will produce lithium battery components for electric vehicles and is located near the farm of Lori Brock, who is fighting with friends to stop the project.

"I think Americans should invest in American companies, not Chinese companies," Brock said.

Several US states have banned Chinese companies and citizens from buying their land. However, Gotion, which received $800 million in subsidies from the state of Michigan, already owns the land where the plant is planned to be built.

Chinese investment has become a hot political topic in Michigan, with former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump warning that the plant would put Michiganders “under the control of China” and opposing the project.

In contrast, Kamala Harris only briefly mentioned China in her Democratic convention speech, asserting that she would ensure America leads the world in areas such as space and artificial intelligence.

Despite mixed opinions, the factory project is still under legal review, and Gotion is ready to develop the land.

Not all residents are against the project. Some, like Carlleen Rose and Jim Chapman, say the battery plant could revitalize the town, especially in one of Michigan’s poorest counties. But support for the project cost Chapman her job as town supervisor, and Rose says she’s been alarmed by the aggressiveness at public meetings.

While they do not receive any financial benefit from Gotion, neither Rose nor Chapman have been pro-China and have denied allegations that the company would spy on Americans.

Cao Phong (according to CNA, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tranh-cai-ve-viec-nha-may-trung-quoc-dau-tu-tai-thi-tran-my-post316289.html