Congress
GOP lawmakers escalate criticism of Ford’s China ties after Duffy letter
PN Team • 2 months ago
Republicans in Congress amplified Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's criticism of Ford Motor Co. over its business dealings with Chinese firms. In a letter to CEO Jim Farley, Duffy raised "profound concern" over Ford's reliance on licensed battery technology from CATL, a Chinese company on the Pentagon's list of firms tied to China's military, at its Michigan plant. He also faulted Ford's decision to delay moving Lincoln Nautilus production from China to the U.S. until 2030. Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, backed Duffy's stance, urging Ford to cut ties with Chinese partners including Geely and BYD.
Ford called the letter a "wrongheaded attempt to capture headlines," saying it controls the Michigan plant and its workforce. The Chinese embassy urged the U.S. to avoid politicizing business cooperation. The dispute comes as Congress pushes to tighten a ban on Chinese vehicles and ahead of a planned Trump-Xi meeting.
Sources:
Sentiment
- Sean Duffy Duffy is depicted as taking a proactive, assertive stance on national security concerns, though Ford pushes back calling it a headline stunt.
- Republican Party (United States) Republican lawmakers are portrayed as taking a firm stance defending national security interests against Chinese influence.
- United States The U.S. is referenced as pushing for stronger controls on Chinese vehicle ties, a neutral policy context.
- United States Congress Congress is mentioned as pushing to tighten restrictions on Chinese vehicles, a neutral-to-favorable policy action.
- Michigan Michigan is mentioned neutrally as the location of Ford's plant.
- The Pentagon The Pentagon is referenced factually as the source of the list naming CATL a military-linked firm.