BackTrump administration criticizes Ford's China partnerships over national security concerns

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SCMP Economy1 hour agoBusiness1 min readChina

Trump administration criticizes Ford's China partnerships over national security concerns

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US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy accused Ford of national security risks due to its business ties with Chinese companies CATL, Geely, and BYD, urging the automaker to cut ties.
Ford defended its investments in domestic battery production and called the letter a headline-grabbing move.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

The Trump administration has intensified scrutiny of corporate ties to China, particularly in strategic sectors like batteries and automobiles, citing national security risks tied to military-civil fusion concerns.

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The Trump administration on Tuesday blasted Ford Motor’s business partnerships with Chinese companies, saying they posed national security concerns.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in a letter ‌to Ford CEO Jim Farley sent on Tuesday said the carmaker’s dealings with Chinese battery maker CATL and Chinese carmakers Geely and BYD raised “profound concern”.

He urged Ford to cut ties with major Chinese companies.

Duffy said USDOT was “deeply alarmed” by Ford’s reliance on licensed technology from Chinese battery manufacturer CATL at its plant in Marshall, Michigan, and noted that CATL is on the Pentagon’s list of companies accused of ⁠ties to China’s military.

He also criticised the company’s decision not to move production of the Lincoln Nautilus from China ‌to the United States until 2030, as it left the company reliant on Chinese manufacturing for several more years.

Ford, in a statement, said Duffy’s “letter is a wrong-headed attempt to ‌capture headlines”. The company added that “while others continue to import Chinese batteries, Ford is investing to build ⁠batteries here in ⁠America” and added that “Ford owns the plant, controls the operation and employs the workforce”.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Ford will face increased political pressure to accelerate domestic battery production and reduce reliance on Chinese partners
Likely · Within months

Open Questions

Will the administration impose restrictions on Ford's China partnerships?
How will Ford respond to the urging to cut ties with CATL, Geely, and BYD?
Are other automakers facing similar scrutiny over China ties?

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