An electric vehicle manufacturer with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) tried to locate in Alabama before local economic development officials turned down the project over national security concerns.
According to Fox News Digital, California-based firm Gotion Inc. approached the Shoals Economic Development Authority in 2022 to gauge interest in developing a factory on the site of the shuttered FreightCar America factory in Muscle Shoals.
According to the outlet, unnamed local officials decided against the project after learning more about Gotion. Gotion eventually took the plan elsewhere to Michigan to develop a battery component facility and Illinois for a battery cell factory.
Kevin Jackson, the president of the Shoals Economic Development Authority, declined to comment to Fox News Digital on the Muscle Shoals proposal, saying the organization entered into a nondisclosure agreement with Gotion to discuss the potential facility. According to Jackson, the agreement lasts for three years after the termination of the project.
Gotion has defended its development plans in the United States, saying its parent company is publicly owned, and that the CCP has no influence in its operations, according to Fox News.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) told Fox News Digital, "The Chinese Communist Party is our country's greatest national security and geopolitical threat, and we must remember everything they do is as our adversary."
"There is no doubt that the CCP wants to plant their flag in the American heartland, including right here in Alabama," Britt said. "As Communist China continues to attempt to buy up critical industries, supply chains, and land across the United States, it's imperative that we remain vigilant and exercise all due caution to protect our interests and safeguard America's future."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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