Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar has raised concerns about the French government's role in limiting access to information regarding Airbus's operations in China. In a letter addressed to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Moolenaar stated, "The French government is effectively blocking the China Committee’s ability to obtain basic information about Airbus’ activities in China. Airbus plays an important role in the U.S. defense industrial base, and the U.S. government should have policies in place to ensure that its prime contractors are not directly or indirectly advancing China’s military-civilian fusion capabilities in the aerospace industry."
Moolenaar's letter highlights Airbus's connections with Chinese companies, specifically mentioning its relationship with Xi’an Aircraft Group Industry Company (XAC). He wrote, "This includes Airbus’ relationship with the Chinese military firm the Xi’an Aircraft Group Industry Company (XAC). XAC manufactures wings for the Airbus A320 at its facility in Tianjin, China. XAC also developed various Chinese military platforms such as the JH-7 and is developing China’s H-20 bomber aircraft. Working with these Chinese companies may advance the Chinese aerospace industrial base to develop and deploy aerospace technology that can ultimately be applied to their military. Airbus appeared willing to cooperate with the Committee’s inquiry, but unfortunately the French government controls what can be disclosed to foreign governments."
The full text of Moolenaar's letter is available online.
