A Chinese worker prepares the interior of an Airbus A220 aircraft at a factory in Shenyang, Liaoning province, northeast China, May 25, 2020.
A Republican congressman has accused the French government of obstructing an investigation into Airbus’s activities in China that could benefit the Chinese military.
In the United States, a House committee has been tasked since 2023 with investigating the ruling Chinese Communist Party and countering activities believed to pose a “threat,” particularly in economic, technological, and military spheres.
Enhancing Chinese Military Capabilities
The Republican committee chairman sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense on Friday. He stated that “the French government is effectively preventing the committee from obtaining essential information about Airbus’s activities in China.”
He added, “Airbus plays a significant role in the American military-industrial complex,” explaining that Washington “should implement policies aimed at ensuring its key contractors do not, directly or indirectly, contribute to enhancing” Chinese military capabilities.
He clarified that the committee wrote to Airbus on August 14 to learn more about its relationships with Chinese companies.
He continued in his letter to the Secretary that the European aircraft manufacturer “appeared willing to cooperate with the committee’s investigation, but unfortunately, the French government controls what can be disclosed to foreign governments.”
Discussions “For Several Months”
He asserted that Paris “has explicitly prevented Airbus from answering questions” about its activities in China.
In response to inquiries on Saturday, Airbus indicated it has been holding discussions “for several months” with the US congressional committee “to explain the global nature of our industry and to affirm our strict compliance with all applicable European and American regulations.”
French authorities did not respond to the inquiries.
Airbus
Airbus is a European multinational aerospace corporation founded in 1970 through the collaboration of French, German, and later Spanish and British companies. It was established to compete with American aerospace manufacturers and is best known for producing commercial aircraft like the A320 family and the wide-body A380.
China
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which reflect its long imperial past and profound cultural evolution. Today, it is a major global power with a unique blend of ancient traditions and rapid modern development.
Shenyang
Shenyang is the capital of Liaoning Province in northeast China, historically significant as the former capital of the Qing Dynasty before its conquest of Beijing. Its most famous cultural site is the Shenyang Imperial Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1625, which served as the palace for the early Qing emperors.
Liaoning province
Liaoning province is a historically significant region in Northeast China, once part of ancient Manchuria and home to early Qing Dynasty capitals like Shenyang. It became a major industrial base in the 20th century and is known for its rich fossil discoveries, including the early Cretaceous Jehol Biota.
Airbus A220
The Airbus A220 is a family of narrow-body, twin-engine jet airliners originally designed and built by the Canadian manufacturer Bombardier as the C Series. After a significant investment in 2018, Airbus acquired a majority stake in the program, rebranding it and leveraging its global supply chain to enhance production and sales.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, with its modern government established by the Constitution in 1789. Its history is marked by westward expansion, industrialization, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse cultural heritage, stemming from immigration, and its significant influence on global politics, economics, and popular culture.
French government
The French government operates as a semi-presidential republic, established by its current constitution in 1958 during the Fifth Republic. This system features an executive branch shared by a President and a Prime Minister, with its historical roots tracing back through various monarchical, imperial, and republican forms since the French Revolution of 1789.
Chinese military
The Chinese military, officially known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), was founded in 1927 and played a central role in the Chinese Communist Party’s victory in the Chinese Civil War. Today, it is the world’s largest military force and serves as the armed wing of the party, responsible for national defense and safeguarding China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
House committee
The House Committee is a key component of the United States Congress, where groups of representatives are organized to focus on specific legislative areas, such as appropriations or foreign affairs. This system was formally established in the early 19th century to improve the efficiency and expertise of the lawmaking process. Committees hold hearings, draft legislation, and conduct oversight of the executive branch.
Chinese Communist Party
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was founded in 1921 and led the revolutionary struggle that established the People’s Republic of China in 1949. As the ruling party of China, it has since guided the country’s development and modernization under its leadership.
Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Defense is a civilian cabinet member in the United States government, leading the Department of Defense. The position was established in 1947 through the National Security Act, which reorganized the military under a single department to replace the former War and Navy Departments. The Secretary is the principal defense policy advisor to the President and is responsible for the military’s operational command.
American military-industrial complex
The American military-industrial complex refers to the close relationship between a nation’s armed forces, its government, and the private defense industry that supplies them. The term was famously coined by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his 1961 farewell address, where he warned of its potential to exert undue political and economic influence. This interconnected system has been a defining feature of U.S. defense policy and economic activity since World War II.
Washington
Washington, D.C., is the capital city of the United States, founded in 1790 and named after the first U.S. president, George Washington. It is renowned for its iconic national monuments, museums, and federal institutions, including the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Supreme Court, which reflect its central role in American government and history.
Paris
Paris is the capital of France, historically founded as the Roman town of Lutetia in the 3rd century BC. It is globally renowned as a major center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture, with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum symbolizing its enduring influence.
US congressional committee
The United States congressional committee is a legislative subgroup within either the House of Representatives or the Senate, established to handle specific duties such as reviewing bills, conducting oversight, and investigating issues. This system, integral to the legislative process since the First Congress in 1789, allows for detailed examination of complex matters before they reach the full chamber. Committees are where much of the substantive work of Congress is performed, shaping legislation and holding hearings.
European regulations
The European Union’s regulatory framework is a comprehensive body of laws and standards that govern the single market and other policy areas across its member states. Its development accelerated following the Treaty of Rome in 1957, aiming to harmonize standards to ensure the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. These regulations, which are directly applicable in all member states, cover areas from product safety and environmental protection to data privacy and financial services.
American regulations
American regulations refer to the comprehensive system of laws, rules, and administrative codes established by U.S. federal, state, and local governments to govern conduct and ensure public welfare. This framework has evolved since the nation’s founding, with significant expansions during the Progressive Era, the New Deal, and the mid-20th century in response to industrialization, economic crises, and social changes. These regulations cover diverse areas including commerce, environmental protection, public health, and financial markets.
