LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan-China Economic and Security Review Group is continuing to shine the light on the Chinese-backed Gotion project in Big Rapids.

The group said it found a three year old U.S. Department of Treasury Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) regulation that covers the Gotion project since it is near the Grayling Army Airfield located within the National All-Domain Warfighting Center.

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Following the discovery, Ambassador Joseph Cella wrote a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Investment Security Paul Rosen to reexamine the situation.

Cella said in a statement that Gotion never received the “strict scrutiny” it deserves. “It appears the Department of Treasury may have overlooked or avoided applying this regulation that was promulgated on February 13, 2020,” Cella said. “It seems quite clear this rule covers the ‘deal’ with PRC-based and CCP-tied Gotion, likely on account of the activities and military assets at Grayling Army Airfield.”

The Gotion project has received significant pushback from the community for several years. Complaints have stemmed from the allegiance of the proposed battery factory’s links to China, as well as its impact on the enviroment.

Gotion, and other megasites like it around the state, have been taxpayer-funded pet projects of Gov. Gretchen Whitme and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Last week, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D) flip-flopped on her position regarding Gotion and said it does pose national security risks. She is running against former Congressman Mike Rogers for Michigan open U.S. Senate seat which will be vacated by retiring U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow.