East Michigan News

Former Obama administration Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and former Trump administration Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have expressed concerns about the Chinese company Gotion and its plans to build a factory in Michigan. Both experts testified under oath at a hearing of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, stating that Gotion poses a national security risk to the United States.

During the hearing, Congressman John Moolenaar raised questions about Gotion's plan to bring 20-50 Chinese nationals to Michigan. Panetta responded by saying, "I don’t think there’s any question that they are going to take advantage of that situation and I think we have to be very vigilant about what the hell is going on." He further emphasized that the Chinese Communist Party operates in a way that exploits resources in America for their own intelligence and economic purposes.

Pompeo echoed Panetta's concerns, stating, "I think it is worse than the fact that they will engage in espionage. I think that’s just top of the list. They will use this in ways that will leverage Chinese advantage. These plans are deeply dangerous to our national security and ought not be built."

Congressman Moolenaar also raised the issue of American tax dollars potentially funding CCP-affiliated companies. Both Panetta and Pompeo agreed that it is irresponsible to provide support to companies that undermine national security. Pompeo added, "There are dozens of these taking place and I promise you the Chinese Communist Party is not subsidizing American companies that are acting in America’s interest inside of China, that benefit the United States of America."

In response to the concerns raised by Panetta and Pompeo, Congressman Moolenaar stated, "President Obama’s Defense Secretary and President Trump’s Secretary of State just testified under oath that Gotion and its plans in Michigan are a national security risk. They know how the Chinese Communist Party operates and how it uses resources in America to hurt our country. They also said that it undermines our national security for states and communities to give tax subsidies to those companies. State and local economic development officials in Michigan need to listen to these experts and end the Gotion project."

The testimonies of Panetta and Pompeo highlight the potential risks associated with Gotion's plans in Michigan. The concern revolves around the possibility of espionage and the leveraging of Chinese advantage, which could have severe implications for national security. Both experts emphasize the need for vigilance and caution when dealing with companies affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party.

It remains to be seen how the state and local economic development officials in Michigan will respond to these concerns. However, the testimonies of Panetta and Pompeo serve as a clear warning about the potential dangers and the need to prioritize national security over economic incentives.

The video of Congressman Moolenaar's questioning can be found [here](link), providing further insight into the concerns raised by the experts.