Elon Musk’s SpaceX, a cornerstone of U.S. aerospace and defense, has reportedly accepted direct investments from Chinese investors, according to recently unsealed court testimony. This revelation, disclosed during a legal case involving a major SpaceX investor, Iqbaljit Kahlon, has ignited fresh debates over foreign ownership in one of America’s most critical military contractors. While Chinese investment in U.S. defense contractors is not prohibited, it is tightly regulated due to national security implications. Kahlon’s testimony, though not detailing the extent or identities of the Chinese investors, confirms their presence on SpaceX’s capitalization table, a list of shareholders. This marks the first acknowledgment of direct Chinese investment in the privately held company, which has long kept its ownership structure under wraps. Previously, Chinese investors were known to hold indirect stakes in SpaceX through intermediary funds. The disclosure has raised alarms among national security experts, who warn that such investments could provide China with access to sensitive information, potentially compromising U.S. security. SpaceX, which has secured significant government contracts, including those with NASA and the Pentagon, has not commented on the matter. The testimony emerged from a Delaware court case involving Kahlon, who has facilitated investments in SpaceX for wealthy individuals worldwide, including those from China. The U.S. government’s growing concerns over Chinese investments in sensitive industries have led to increased scrutiny, with House Democrats urging the Department of Defense to investigate SpaceX’s investment practices. Despite these concerns, SpaceX’s valuation continues to soar, with Musk’s 42% stake estimated at $168 billion, solidifying his position among the world’s wealthiest individuals.
