Finance
US House Panel Asks Pentagon to Review Safran Ventures in China
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 20, 2026
1 min readLast updated: March 20, 2026
Quick Summary
A U.S. House Select Committee on China, chaired by Rep. John Moolenaar, has urged the Pentagon to review Safran’s joint ventures in China—particularly its work with AVIC—citing concerns that commercial activities may indirectly bolster China’s military-industrial capabilities.
US House Panel Calls on Pentagon to Review Safran's Business Ventures in China
Overview of Congressional Inquiry into Safran's China Operations
Background of the Request
WASHINGTON, March 20 (Reuters) - A top lawmaker asked the Pentagon to review French aerospace company Safran's 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.
Concerns Raised by Lawmakers
Safran's Collaboration with AVIC
Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, cited Safran's work with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, 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.
Ongoing Committee Review
Focus on Western Aerospace Companies
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.
Reporting and Editorial Information
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
Key Takeaways
- •Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, flagged Safran’s ventures in China, especially with AVIC, and requested a Pentagon review to assess potential support to China’s military growth (apnews.com).
- •Safran’s joint ventures in China include collaborations with AVIC subsidiaries, such as EWIS manufacturing with Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Company, raising intellectual property and dual-use technology transfer concerns (datenna.com).
- •The House committee has been conducting broader oversight of Western aerospace engagement in China—including Airbus—and is concerned about how such partnerships may support the Chinese Communist Party’s military advances (apnews.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about US House panel asks Pentagon to review Safran ventures in China
1Why did the US House panel ask the Pentagon to review Safran's ventures in China?
Concerns were raised over Safran's commercial ties with Chinese companies, which may indirectly support China's military capabilities.
2Which Chinese company is specifically mentioned in Safran's dealings?
Safran's work with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) is specifically mentioned.
3Who is leading the US House review of American and Western aerospace companies in China?
Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, is leading the review.
4Has Safran responded to the US House panel's concerns?
Safran did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the review.
5How did the Pentagon respond to the letter from the US House panel?
The Pentagon stated it would respond directly to Representative Moolenaar.
