Top Republicans Push to Restrict Chinese Battery Maker CATL

Two prominent Republican lawmakers urged the U.S. Defense Department to add Chinese battery maker CATL to a restricted list. The action, led by Senator Marco Rubio and Representative John Moolenaar, aims to block CATL from U.S. military contracts and signal U.S. companies about the risks of partnering with CATL.

Two top Republican lawmakers on Wednesday urged the U.S. Defense Department to add Chinese battery maker CATL to a restricted list of companies allegedly collaborating with Beijing's military.

Companies on this list are barred from receiving U.S. military contracts. Senator Marco Rubio, vice chair of the Intelligence Committee, and Representative John Moolenaar, who chairs the House Select Committee on China, called on Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to immediately place CATL on the list. They argued that such a move would send a strong message to U.S. companies contemplating partnerships with CATL.

(With inputs from agencies.)