LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Lana Theis on Thursday renewed her urgent call for the Michigan Legislature to cease all payments, claw back monies, and end any ongoing engagement with companies linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The call comes on the heels of charges filed Wednesday against five Chinese nationals caught spying at Camp Grayling, a disturbing event that underscores the serious national security threats facing the state.
“This is a wake-up call for Michigan and a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are,” said Theis, Brighton. “For too long, we’ve been warning about the dangers posed by companies affiliated with the CCP, and now, with foreign agents caught spying within our own borders, the stakes could not be clearer.”
Theis has been a vocal critic of Gotion Inc., a Chinese-linked electric vehicle battery manufacturer seeking to build a taxpayer-funded facility just 88 miles from Camp Grayling. She has consistently raised concerns about the national security risks associated with Gotion and has been a leading voice in opposing the company’s operations in Michigan. Her latest statement comes in support of fellow Sen. Aric Nesbitt, who has also called on the Legislature to take swift action to halt the proposed Gotion plant.
“This isn’t just about economics or environmental concerns — it’s about safeguarding our state and our country. We cannot afford to ignore the fact that Gotion is directly tied to the Chinese Communist Party, and allowing them to establish a foothold in Michigan is a threat to our security,” said Theis. “The recent events at Camp Grayling should be a final wake-up call for every lawmaker in Lansing. We need to take immediate action to protect our state.”
Theis first sounded the alarm on Gotion in April of 2023, citing its deceptive business practices and its acknowledgment of funding from the Chinese government, despite previous denials. In August, she issued a statement following revelations that the company had falsely claimed it was free of CCP influence.
“Michigan must stop all deals with Gotion and any other CCP-affiliated entities immediately. We need to claw back any funds already allocated, and not one more dime of taxpayer money should go to companies that pose a threat to our national security,” Theis added.
Theis stressed the urgency of action. “We can’t afford to wait. The longer we delay, the more we put Michigan at risk.”
###