Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into technology linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that may have implications for the state’s critical infrastructure. This probe specifically targets the use of products from Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. at a power storage station in Texas. The investigation is part of a broader effort by Republican lawmakers to limit Chinese access to American infrastructure, citing national security concerns.
The inquiry seeks to determine whether the use of Amperex’s products breaches a Texas law, enacted in 2021, which prohibits entities from granting companies under Chinese control access to critical state infrastructure. Paxton has expressed that such access could jeopardize the reliability of Texas’s power grid. “The CCP is a bad actor, and it is unlawful for aligned companies to meddle in our state in order to grant backdoor access to their handlers,” he stated.
Background on the Investigation
This investigation follows a series of actions taken by Paxton aimed at curbing the influence of the CCP within Texas. The 2021 law was implemented to protect state infrastructure from foreign entities, specifically targeting those with ties to the Chinese government. Paxton’s office has been vocal about the risks associated with allowing foreign companies to operate in sensitive areas such as energy and technology.
The focus on Amperex Technology aligns with a national campaign initiated during Donald Trump’s administration, which aimed to restrict the reach of Chinese companies in the United States. The inquiry highlights ongoing tensions regarding technology transfer and national security, particularly concerning companies linked to the CCP.
Implications for Texas Infrastructure
The stakes are particularly high given that Texas’s energy infrastructure is a critical component of the state’s economy and stability. Any violation of the law could lead to significant ramifications for the companies involved and potentially disrupt services for millions of residents.
In related developments, an analysis of lobbying activities has shown that the Nuclear Energy Institute, the largest energy lobbying organization in the U.S., has ties to Daya Bay Nuclear Power Operations and Management Company, another entity linked to the CCP. This company was previously barred from operating in the United States due to allegations of espionage and theft of military technology during Trump’s presidency.
As the investigation unfolds, it will be essential to monitor the responses from both the companies involved and the broader implications for U.S.-China relations in the technology sector. The actions taken by Texas officials reflect a growing sentiment among lawmakers to safeguard national interests against perceived threats from foreign adversaries.
Paxton’s investigation is a significant step in a larger narrative regarding the intersection of technology, security, and international relations, underscoring the ongoing debates about how to navigate these complex issues in a globalized world.
