Republican candidate supported Chinese company in lawsuit for swing House district
A lawyer and Republican candidate for a U.S. House seat in the swing state of Michigan has found himself in hot water over past associations with a Chinese-owned firm linked to espionage investigations. Michigan-based attorney Paul Hudson, vying for the GOP primary spot in Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, was part of the legal team defending Yubei (Xinxiang) Power Steering Sys. Co. in a 2015 lawsuit filed by Global Technology Inc., a Michigan company.
Yubei (Xinxiang) Power Steering is a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a defense contractor owned by the Chinese Communist Party that has faced scrutiny over multiple espionage investigations, including allegations of stealing classified F-35 information for Chinese aircraft.
The involvement of the Chinese firm in espionage cases adds to a series of Chinese companies engaging in spying activities in the U.S., prompting then-President Trump to issue an executive order in 2020 prohibiting American companies from holding shares in enterprises associated with the People’s Liberation Army, including AVIC.
Despite the controversy, Hudson’s spokesperson mentioned that in the decade-old lawsuit, the attorney only provided assistance to a client in a limited appeal related to a contract dispute. The case was swiftly dismissed after the Sixth Circuit upheld the client’s position on a jurisdictional matter.
However, the issue could potentially have a significant impact on Michigan voters, particularly following a high-profile clash between a small Michigan town and a Chinese company last year. At the center of the dispute was a lawsuit filed by Gotion Inc., a subsidiary of China-based Gotion High-Tech, against Green Charter Township, Michigan.
Voters in Green Charter Township opposed plans, spearheaded by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, for Gotion to construct an electric vehicle battery plant near a military base after the company’s Chinese ties were revealed, leading to a nationally covered legal battle.
Michael Markey, Hudson’s GOP primary rival, highlighted the Gotion case, emphasizing Michigan’s need to steer clear of candidates aligned with the Chinese Communist Party. Markey accused Hudson of prioritizing personal gain over voters’ interests and condemned Hudson for siding with the Chinese Communist Party at the expense of Michigan and the nation.
In response, Hudson’s campaign spokesperson highlighted the candidate’s track record of opposing Chinese aggression and influence. Hudson has advocated for bolstering the Pacific Fleet, increasing defense spending to counter China, and supporting aid packages to Taiwan. The spokesperson also noted Hudson’s support for Michigan Congressman John Moolenaar, who leads the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
The upcoming congressional primary elections in Michigan are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6. As the candidates vie for the spotlight, the implications of Hudson’s past legal involvement with a Chinese-owned firm linked to espionage investigations remain a focal point for voters and political observers alike.
