Contributor: Why is the GOP resisting Chinese investment in the U.S.?

Chinese battery company Gotion showcased its technology at an exhibition in Beijing in November. The company is constructing factories in Michigan and Illinois, which will provide jobs for 5,000 American workers.

The United States and China are facing a stalemate as the U.S. aims to bring back manufacturing, while China seeks to sell its products in the American market. A creative solution will be needed to resolve this deadlock. President Trump has hinted at a winning strategy, proposing to attract foreign factories to the U.S. during his 2024 campaign.

When China transitioned to a market economy in the 1970s, they required American companies to manufacture in China to access the Chinese market. Now, Chinese companies like Gotion Inc. and CATL are setting up plants in the U.S. to tap into the American market, create jobs for Americans, and advance the manufacturing sector.

Despite the benefits, some Republicans have criticized Chinese companies like Gotion and CATL, labeling them as national security threats without concrete evidence. Trump has expressed support for Chinese investment in the U.S., but his administration’s actions have contradicted this stance.

To improve U.S.-China economic relations, a rational approach is needed instead of unfounded paranoia. Encouraging Chinese manufacturers to establish operations in the U.S. could be a step towards resolving trade tensions and achieving mutual gains.