Michigan Representative Elissa Slotkin, a leading Democratic candidate for the Senate, is under fire for her involvement with a project proposed by Gotion, a subsidiary of a Chinese tech company. The National Republican Senate Committee (NRSC) launched an ad campaign and website criticizing Slotkin for participating in off-the-record discussions about the project and entering into a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

The controversy revolves around Gotion's proposed electric vehicle battery factory in Big Rapids, Michigan. While the factory would be outside Slotkin's congressional district, her signing of an NDA with the Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDC) to discuss the project has drawn criticism. The NRSC has questioned Slotkin's transparency and her connections to a company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The project itself has garnered significant attention due to Gotion High-Tech's corporate bylaws, which mandate adherence to CCP activities. This connection has sparked concerns among lawmakers, local leaders, and national security experts, prompting calls to halt the project's development. Critics have also expressed apprehension about the use of NDAs in the negotiation process, arguing they foster distrust and limit public access to crucial information.

Adding to the scrutiny, the Michigan-China Economic and Security Review Group, led by former U.S. Ambassadors, has requested a federal investigation into potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act related to the NDAs signed during negotiations. They specifically questioned Slotkin's decision to sign an NDA, given her background as a former CIA analyst and Defense Department official.

However, Slotkin's campaign denies the allegations, claiming she never signed an NDA related to the Gotion plant and accusing the NRSC of spreading misinformation. They emphasize Slotkin's commitment to national security and her record of holding the Chinese government accountable. This clash of narratives further fuels the debate surrounding the project and its implications for Michigan's economic and security landscape.