GOP Push for Pentagon to Block Chinese Battery Maker CATL

Two top GOP lawmakers are urging the U.S. Defense Department to add Chinese battery maker CATL to a restricted list, alleging ties with Beijing's military. They argue that relying on CATL batteries poses national security risks. CATL refutes these claims, arguing their products are benign and not government-controlled.

Two prominent Republican lawmakers on Wednesday called on the U.S. Defense Department to add Chinese battery maker CATL to a restricted list for allegedly collaborating with Beijing's military. Companies on this list are barred from receiving U.S. military contracts, carrying significant reputational risks, experts indicate.

Senator Marco Rubio, vice chair of the Intelligence Committee, and Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, pressing for immediate action against CATL -- officially known as China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. The lawmakers suggested this move would deter U.S. companies from partnering with CATL. CATL countered that its products support millions during power outages and pose no national security threat. The company argues that the accusations are baseless and stresses it is not under government control.

The Pentagon has not commented. The lawmakers underscored CATL's connections to the Chinese Communist Party, warning that dependency on CATL jeopardizes U.S. energy security by tying it to the CCP. Earlier this year, Duke Energy announced plans to phase out CATL batteries under congressional pressure, and concerns have been raised about Ford Motor's plans to license CATL technology for a new battery plant in Michigan. In a broader national security move, the Defense Department had previously added several Chinese firms, including YMTC, Megvii, and Hesai Technology, to the restricted list.

(With inputs from agencies.)