Trump administration condemns Ford for dealings with Chinese firms

The Trump administration blasts Ford Motor's business partnerships with Chinese companies, saying they pose national security concerns.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in a letter to Ford CEO Jim Farley says the automaker's dealings with Chinese battery maker CATL and Chinese automakers Geely and BYD raised "profound concern."

Duffy notes CATL is on the Pentagon's list of companies accused of ties to China's military and urges the automaker to cut ties with these Chinese firms.

Ford, in a statement, says Duffy's "letter is a wrongheaded attempt to capture headlines." The company adds "while others continue to import Chinese batteries, Ford is investing to build batteries here in America" and that "Ford owns the plant, controls the operation and employs the workforce."