CCP Officials Establish Talent Recruitment Program at US Firm Behind Taxpayer-Backed EV Battery Plants
Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials have set up a talent recruitment "work station" at the Silicon Valley headquarters of a Chinese-owned company planning to build two taxpayer-backed battery plants in Michigan, according to Chinese language reports. The CCP delegation from Hefei, Anhui province, visited Gotion Inc.'s Fremont, California headquarters in 2017, where the Anhui party secretary led the establishment of an Overseas Talent Work Station. This initiative aimed to attract experts from the US and Europe to work in Anhui Province. The CCP's talent recruitment plans have raised concerns about brain drain, national security, and economic health.
Gotion Inc. intends to construct two electric vehicle battery plants in Big Rapids, Michigan, with support from Michigan Democrats and $715 million in state subsidies. However, many Republicans oppose the project due to Gotion Inc.'s ties to the CCP through its parent company, Gotion High-Tech. Gotion High-Tech employs 923 CCP members, including its CEO Li Zhen, who also serves as the party secretary for the company's CCP committee. The company has organized field trips where employees dressed as Red Army soldiers and pledged allegiance to the CCP.
The establishment of the talent recruitment work station at Gotion Inc.'s headquarters was presided over by Li Jinbin, the CCP party secretary of Anhui Province. The Hefei CCP Committee released a policy paper in June 2017, emphasizing the importance of obtaining talent and creating an innovation capital to accelerate the construction of the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center. The paper also mentioned financial subsidies for Hefei companies establishing Overseas Talent Work Stations.
The talent recruitment efforts are part of China's Thousand Talents Plan, which aims to attract high-level scientific talent from around the world. CCP officials encouraged individuals to return to Anhui and serve as experts, emphasizing nationalist sentiments and the opportunity to contribute to the motherland. The plan has been used to lure scientists, academics, and researchers to relocate to China.
The establishment of a talent recruitment program by CCP officials at Gotion Inc. raises concerns about the influence of the CCP and potential risks to national security. It highlights the need for vigilance in safeguarding intellectual property and preventing unauthorized technology transfers.
Implications for New Businesses
The establishment of a talent recruitment "work station" by CCP officials at Gotion Inc. could have far-reaching implications for new businesses. The move signals a strategic approach by the CCP to attract top talent from the US and Europe, potentially leading to a significant brain drain that could impact the availability of skilled labor for startups and small businesses.
Competition for Resources
Moreover, the fact that Gotion Inc. is planning to build two taxpayer-backed battery plants in Michigan, with over $715 million in state subsidies, underscores the intense competition that new businesses may face in securing similar incentives. This could strain the resources of new businesses and hinder their growth prospects.
Navigating Complex Dynamics
Lastly, the approval of Gotion Inc.'s projects by the CCP, despite criticism, suggests that new businesses may need to navigate complex political and social dynamics to secure similar approvals. This could further complicate the business environment for startups and small businesses.
In conclusion, while the CCP's talent recruitment plans present significant opportunities for Gotion Inc., they also highlight the challenges that new businesses may face in securing similar support and navigating a competitive and complex business environment.
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