South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has recently come under fire for a visit to a new Chinese business that opened a factory in the state. Haley joined executives from the Chinese company, indulging in cultural performers, and standing next to a large Chinese flag outfitted with the logo of the Chinese Communist Party.
The governor, who is normally a vocal advocate for the free market and for businesses, was criticized for appearing to tacitly approve of a company with unclear labor standards, representing the world’s largest authoritarian regime.
The optics of the event were deeply concerning to many, given the Chinese government’s history of human rights abuses, and its increasing pursuit of global economic dominance. Haley is expected to face tough questions about the decision to appear alongside the CCP flag and to pose for pictures with the company’s executives.
