US House panel asks Pentagon to review Safran ventures in China

WASHINGTON, March 20 (Reuters) - A top lawmaker asked the Pentagon to review French aerospace company Safran's SAF.PA joint ventures in China, saying the U.S. defense contractor's commercial ties with Chinese companies raise concerns, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, cited Safran's work with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China 600862.SS, or AVIC, among several issues that raise concerns. "While Safran’s ventures in China are commercial in nature, its work with these AVIC subsidiaries may directly support entities that help advance the CCP’s military capabilities," the letter said.

Moolenaar's committee for months has been reviewing American and western aerospace companies activities in China, including Airbus. Safran did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Pentagon said it would respond directly to Moolenaar.