Question: But Chuck Thelen, VP of Gotion, says that other companies like Apple and Nike have similar language in their corporate documents, so why is this different than Gotion?

Short Answer:

In the case of American-owned parent companies like Nike and Apple that do business in China, similar language can be found in their Chinese subsidiaries, but NOT in the parent company’s documents. In the case of Gotion, it is the PARENT company that has this language, and the American office is controlled by the Chinese parent company that pledges allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party.

Long Answer:

The assertion made by Chuck Thelen, VP of Gotion, requires a nuanced understanding of corporate governance and international business relations. It is true that global companies like Apple and Nike, which are American-owned and headquartered, may include certain language in their Chinese subsidiaries to comply with local regulations and business practices in China. However, this language is typically not found in the parent company’s documents in the United States. This distinction is critical as it reflects the primary allegiance and governance standards of these corporations.

In contrast, Gotion is a Chinese company, and as such, the parent company itself is subject to the laws and political directives of the Chinese government. The presence of language indicating allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the parent company’s documents is significant. It suggests a level of control and influence by the CCP that is fundamentally different from American companies operating in China.

This is not just a matter of legal wording; it reflects a deeper issue of governance, control, and national allegiance. When the parent company of a multinational corporation is governed by a regime that has different values and strategic interests than the United States, it raises legitimate concerns about national security, especially in industries that are critical to our nation’s infrastructure and technological advancement.

Furthermore, the presence of a Chinese parent company with ties to the CCP operating a significant facility in the United States, like the proposed Gotion gigafactory, poses potential risks. These risks are not just environmental but also geopolitical. The CCP’s track record and approach to international relations and business practices are markedly different from those typically adhered to by American companies. Issues such as intellectual property rights, data security, and the potential for foreign influence in critical domestic industries are all valid concerns that need to be addressed thoroughly.

In summary, while multinational corporations often adapt to local laws and customs, the case of Gotion is fundamentally different from that of American companies like Apple and Nike. Gotion’s governance and control by a Chinese parent company closely aligned with the CCP represent a different level of potential influence and risk, particularly in the context of national security and economic sovereignty. This is why MESA (Mecosta Environmental & Security Alliance) stands firmly against the establishment of Gotion’s operations in Mecosta County and the potential implications it may have on both local and national levels.