of the Associated Press
WASHINGTON(AP)-United States technology deals with China,
including some with military significance, harmed national security, a House committee concluded
unanimously.
“These transfers are not limited to missile satellite technology, but cover militarily significant
technology,” said Rep. Christopher Cox (R-Calif.), chairman of a special House committee investigating military
and commercial deals with China.
“Based on unclassified information, we have found that national security
harm did occur,” he said.
The select committee began with an inquiry into the Clinton administration’s
satellite export dealings with China and whether these actions compromised security or were influenced by campaign
contributions.
But Cox indicated the report, which is partially classified, examines the relationship between the
United States and China over the last two decades. He wouldn’t elaborate on details of the report, but said it looks at the
relationship between the two countries during Republican and Democratic administrations.
“United States
transfer of technology to the People’s Republic of China has been the target of serious PRC efforts over the last two
decades,” Cox said without giving specifics.
The committee makes 38 recommendations for legislation and
executive action to remedy a situation that it found has hurt national security. Cox said more details of the report would
be provided to the administration and Congress as appropriate, and unclassified portions of the report would be made
public as soon as possible.
Valuable military technology allegedly flowed to China as part of commercial satellite
deals in which U.S.-built communications satellites were put into orbit on low-cost Chinese rockets.
Cox said the
transfer of sensitive materials goes beyond the investigations of Hughes Electronics Corp. and Loral Space &
Communications to other technology deals.
