Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst on Tuesday called on the Department of Defense (DOD) to investigate US defense contractors owned by individuals with extensive ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) intelligence and influence agencies, according to a letter obtained solely by the Daily Carell News Foundation.
Ernst’s letter urges an audit with New York-based S&L Aerospace Metals LLC to “suspend or cancel all contracts if necessary.” The letter cites the February 2025 DCNF investigation, which acknowledges that Chinese government and state media coverage identified S&L CEO Jerry Wang as an official of multiple CCP influence and intelligence reporting agencies. (Related: Exclusive: US defense contractor owners make fighter jets that make missile parts listed as officials at Chinese Intel agents)
“The S&L, owned by Wang, reportedly produces and supplies key components of US military aircraft and weapons, including components for F-16 and F-35 Jets, Seahawk and Black Hawk helicopters and guided missiles. “This raises serious concern that the Chinese Communist Party can take advantage of the King’s position of accessing sensitive or classified national security information.”
Since becoming CEO of S&L’S in 2001, several organizations run by China’s influential arms called CCP Intelligence and United Front Work Division (UFWD), have identified Wang as a member, DCNF reports.
UFWD operations are “a blend of engagement, impactful activities and intelligence operations. [CCP] Used to shape its political environment, including affecting policies in other countries; [People’s Republic of China] And to access advanced foreign technologies. According to To the House Select Committee on CCP.
“Wang served as the “director” of the Chinese Foreign Friendship Association (COFA), the leading UFWD organ. Wang participated in several COFA events, including a conference that praised the Chinese dictator Xi nearby,” Ernst’s letter states. “He reportedly is a ‘overseas committee member’ and ‘vice-chairman’ of another United Front Organ.
A spokesperson for S&L told DCNF in February that Wang was not part of an organization serving the CCP or UFWD, and Wang’s lawyers similarly claimed that his client had no ties to foreign political entities after DCNF asked about 13 photos of the king depicting the king in the Chinese government workplace.
However, when asked whether the king had denied what was depicted in those photos, the king’s lawyer replied “No.”
Some of these photos showcased the King’s welcome event for XI in New York. For example, including a photo from May 2006, it shows Xi passing a statue of a bald eagle. Other photos show the king with the king with the Chinese intelligence agency, such as the chief chief of all Chinese Federations.
Ernst’s letter describes King’s apparent Chinese intelligence relations as “an incredible case of Chinese agents penetrating their defense supply chains, poses serious national security risks.”
“The Chinese Communist Party, infiltrating our military supply chain, is a serious national security threat,” Ernst told the DCNF. “We need a full audit with the Pentagon to ensure that a single defence dollar is not supplied to enrich foreign enemies. There is no greater waste in Washington than spending money to increase the military capabilities of those who want to harm the United States.”
[Image created by the DCNF with pictures from ding13524’s YouTube account, Chinese government and state media]
Ernst’s letter also asks the Pentagon a half-dozen questions related to its review process.
One such question asks if the DOD knew of the obvious UFWD relationship of the King “before the implementation of the contract.”
In addition to manufacturing parts for US fighter jets, S&L has also won a Pentagon contract to produce weapons systems for “manufacturing small weapons, weapons and weapon accessories” and guided missile launchers, DCNF reports.
Ernst’s letter also asks the DOD whether it takes “active measures to reject foreign ownership, control or influence of contractors and subcontractors” or whether the pentagon relies on “self-report by contractors and subcontractors.”
Lj Eads, a former US Air Force intelligence analyst who reviewed the DCNF S&L findings, characterized the review process for US military defense contractors as a “self-disclosure system,” warning that “there is limited enforcement to independently verify or investigate these claims.”
🇺🇸 US Defense Contractor S&L Aerospace Metals produces for F-16, 747, etc. & advice @dhsgov For key manufacturing, we list S&L CEO Jerry Wang as an official at Intel’s agency
Hat tips @risingthehill + @robbysoave + @Marwilliamson For cover @dailycaller” Report pic.twitter.com/qcogiunrxn
– Philip Lenczycki (@lenczyckiphilip) February 13, 2025
Additionally, Ernst’s letter requires a briefing from DOD “within 30 days of receipt for this letter.”
“S&L is just one example of how Beijing violated its supply chain,” Ernst’s letter said. “Our defense-only American taxpayer dollars should not enrich foreign enemies.”
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