[Text/Observer Network Wang Yi] For the normal commercial investments of Chinese enterprises overseas, some countries always cannot resist meddling and causing trouble. The Financial Times reported on June 18 that the US Trump administration has expressed "concern" to the British government regarding the potential national security risks involved in Mingyang Group's plan to build a factory in Scotland, one of China's largest wind turbine manufacturers.

A U.S. official told the newspaper that the U.S. government also conveyed similar "concerns" to the German government. Last year, Mingyang Group won a large order for offshore wind turbine projects in the North Sea of Germany through its strength, but soon some people began to hype up so-called "national security risks" and "unfair competition from China."

The Financial Times pointed out that the U.S. intervention highlights the difficult balance that Britain must strike as it pursues its "net zero emissions" goal while dealing with its relationship with Trump, especially given his tougher stance toward U.S. allies.

In April 2024, Mingyang Group was included in the "priority" candidate list for Scotland's offshore wind development project. This project, named "Green Volt," is Europe's first commercial-scale floating offshore wind farm, replacing the electricity generated by gas and diesel turbines with renewable energy to supply the UK grid.

China's offshore wind power project farthest from the coast and deepest in water depth, Mingyang Group

However, following the example of Germany, some British politicians and Western media began to jump around, repeating the same old arguments about "national security risks" and "unfair competition," calling on the Scottish and British governments to conduct a security review of investments from "hostile countries" to exclude Chinese companies.

According to reports, before the U.S. expressed its stance, some British officials were already considering whether they should block the construction of the factory. Although Mingyang Group is only a private Chinese company, these politicians are very cautious about Chinese companies participating in UK offshore wind projects.

A person familiar with internal discussions within the UK government about the project said this is an ongoing debate, with officials holding different opinions on whether they should stop Mingyang Group's investment.

Opponents argue that the project can be handed over to European wind turbine manufacturers, and if it is given to Chinese suppliers, it may make the UK "dependent on Chinese technology," and there is a risk that China could monitor the UK's maritime areas, defense submarine programs, and energy infrastructure layouts.

Supporters believe that any risks can be controlled through regulation and management, and that the U.S. government's intervention is also inappropriate. A wind energy industry insider said, "The U.S. has not invested in its own (wind turbine) supply chain. Why interfere now?" "The government and industry must speak out and say it's none of your business."

Currently, Mingyang Group and Scotland are waiting for the decision of the UK government. According to relevant regulations, the final decision-making authority lies with the UK government, which can use the National Security and Investment Act to block this investment.

The Financial Times pointed out that UK Energy Security and Net Zero Emissions Minister Miliband visited China in March this year to discuss closer cooperation between the two countries in the fields of energy and climate. In this case, halting Mingyang Group's investment would mean being at odds with China.

UK offshore wind turbine, website of UK company

An industry insider told the UK Guardian that the UK currently lacks heavy industrial manufacturing capabilities to produce wind turbines domestically. They tried contacting European manufacturers but failed. "If it’s not a Chinese company, who else would (supply wind turbines)?"

"Green Volt" is an important contributor to the UK's goal of achieving "net zero emissions" by 2050. A spokesperson for the project said, "We welcome all investments in offshore wind power, helping the industry develop, create jobs, and establish a thriving supply chain in the UK."

Previously, a spokesperson for the Scottish government also responded, "We welcome international companies' participation in the offshore wind industry and supply chain. Like the UK government, we believe that China's global influence means it is important to maintain pragmatic economic relations, which have the potential to create jobs and growth."

Regarding the炒作by some British politicians, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the UK responded last year, stating that such cooperation is an opportunity rather than a threat. It is hoped that both China and the UK will "work together to create a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment."

The spokesperson said, "There is broad scope for cooperation between China and the UK in the field of clean energy, which can generate tangible benefits and support the UK in achieving its climate goals. China's modernization will not pose a threat to any country; instead, it will bring new opportunities to global growth, including the UK economy."

This article is an exclusive contribution from the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7517586811820982818/

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