Senators call for SpaceX review, warn of Chinese influence

US Democratic senators have called on the Pentagon to immediately investigate SpaceX over suspicions of secret Chinese capital.

According to a letter seen by Reuters, there are indications that investors with ties to China may have acquired stakes in SpaceX indirectly, through financial structures in the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim point out that this is a company of key importance to US national security—SpaceX launches military and intelligence satellites and operates the Starlink network, which is used by both the Pentagon and Ukraine in their defense against Russia.

According to lawmakers, Chinese ownership could lead to the application of FOCI rules, which are designed to prevent foreign influence on sensitive technologies.

According to them, the urgency of the matter is heightened by the recent acquisition of xAI, which Elon Musk presents as an ambitious project combining artificial intelligence, space technology, and global communications.

The Pentagon is expected to respond by February 20.

(reuters, pir)