National Security – Ohio Senator Seeks Review of Chinese Solar Firm’s Proposed Site Near Air Base

National Security –  Republican Senator Bernie Moreno has called for a federal national security review of a proposed real estate deal involving a Chinese solar manufacturing company planning to establish operations near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. The request highlights growing concerns in Washington over foreign investments close to sensitive military facilities.

Senator Requests Federal Security Assessment

In a letter sent on Friday to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Moreno asked the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to carry out a detailed review of SolarSpace Technology Co., Ltd., a China-based manufacturer of photovoltaic cells and solar modules. The senator said the proposed transaction deserves careful examination because of its location near one of the country’s most important military installations.

According to Moreno, the request follows information submitted by the Dayton Development Coalition on June 22 regarding a pending property transaction involving the company.

Proposed Facility Located Near Wright-Patterson Base

Moreno stated that SolarSpace is expected to lease or purchase a facility at 2555 Woodman Drive in Kettering, Ohio. The site is located roughly 13 miles from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a major center for U.S. military operations, aerospace research, engineering and defense-related intelligence activities.

The senator noted that the installation employs around 38,000 people, including military personnel, civilian employees and contractors. He described the base as a key element of the nation’s defense infrastructure and emphasized its role in supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory and other strategic programs.

Concerns Over Chinese Investment

In his letter, Moreno argued that the proposed transaction should not move forward without a thorough federal investigation. He said previous concerns raised by U.S. officials regarding Chinese commercial entities justify closer scrutiny of investments involving companies linked to China, particularly when they are located near military facilities.

The senator praised the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen oversight of foreign land ownership and said the government should continue evaluating transactions that could present national security risks.

Moreno also expressed concern that commercial businesses connected to China could potentially be used to support broader strategic objectives, making careful review essential before any agreement is finalized.

Reference to Supreme Court Decision

The Ohio lawmaker also mentioned a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling while discussing broader policy issues involving China. Quoting remarks previously made by President Donald Trump, Moreno said he hopes federal agencies will work together to prevent entities associated with the Chinese Communist Party from purchasing or leasing land close to critical military installations.

He urged officials to act quickly, stating that the United States should not permit companies that could function as front organizations for foreign governments to acquire property near sensitive defense infrastructure, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

CFIUS Expected to Evaluate Security Risks

The letter was directed to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in his role as chair of CFIUS, the federal interagency committee responsible for examining certain foreign investments for potential national security implications. The committee has the authority to recommend measures or, in some cases, block transactions that may threaten U.S. security interests.

Foreign Land Ownership Remains a National Debate

Foreign ownership of land located near military bases and other strategic sites has become an increasingly significant issue across the United States in recent years. Lawmakers from both major political parties have supported stronger oversight of property purchases involving entities connected to countries viewed as strategic competitors, particularly China.

Supporters of tighter regulations argue that additional safeguards are necessary to reduce the risk of espionage, intelligence collection and threats to critical infrastructure. The latest request from Senator Moreno reflects the continuing bipartisan focus on balancing foreign investment with national security priorities.