In a recent development, major Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers CATL and Gotion High-Tech have strongly denied allegations made by U.S. lawmakers regarding connections to forced labor practices.
U.S. Republican lawmakers have called for the immediate addition of CATL and Gotion High-Tech to the \"entity list\" under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). The lawmakers accuse the companies of utilizing forced labor within their supply chains, a claim reported by the Wall Street Journal on Thursday.
Responding to these allegations, CATL released a statement online on Friday asserting its strict compliance with all relevant laws and regulations governing its operations and business activities in the United States.
\"A June 5 letter by U.S. Members of Congress, accusing CATL of having connections to forced labor, is groundless and completely false,\" the company stated. CATL further clarified that its business relationships with certain suppliers mentioned in the letter had been terminated long ago, reinforcing their stance against the allegations.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between U.S. legislators and Chinese technology firms, especially in sectors critical to the global EV market. As the U.S. continues to scrutinize foreign businesses for potential human rights violations, companies like CATL and Gotion High-Tech are under increased pressure to demonstrate transparency and ethical practices within their supply chains.
Both companies have yet to respond to calls regarding Gotion High-Tech specifically, but the broader implications for the Chinese EV battery industry remain significant as regulatory actions could impact their operations and market presence in the United States.
Reference(s):
Chinese EV battery giants reject U.S. 'forced labor' allegations
cgtn.com
