New Delhi, Feb 7: Two Democratic senators from the United States, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Andy Kim from New Jersey, have urged the Department of Defense (DOD) to investigate SpaceX, the aerospace company led by billionaire Elon Musk.

The senators have raised alarms regarding allegations that Chinese investors have covertly acquired shares in the company, as reported by The Hill.

In a letter directed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, they expressed their concerns about SpaceX, which is a significant contractor for the DOD. They referenced recently unsealed court documents and a ProPublica investigation conducted in March.

“These connections could represent a national security risk, potentially threatening critical military, intelligence, and civilian infrastructure, and contradicting the administration’s stance on foreign investments from nations of concern in strategic sectors,” the senators stated.

According to testimony from a SpaceX investor that was made public last October, the company had been aware of possible Chinese investments since 2015.

The ProPublica report indicated that SpaceX permits Chinese investors to acquire stakes via offshore accounts.

The investigation also highlighted SpaceX executives' choice to retract a $50 million investment from a Chinese firm after the deal was disclosed.

The senators emphasized that the DOD's reliance on SpaceX amplifies their concerns. The company holds contracts worth billions with the department, including a $5.9 billion launch service agreement, as noted in the report.

“The very idea that a rival nation like China could exert influence over a company such as SpaceX, which is integral to our national security framework, poses an unacceptable risk,” the senators remarked.

Warren and Kim also articulated worries that Chinese investors might leverage their influence to access sensitive company information, potentially undermining US national security.

Furthermore, they requested a response from Hegseth by February 18 regarding several inquiries about Chinese involvement at SpaceX and the DOD's intended actions to mitigate any security risks associated with these investments.