A U.S. defense company manufacturing key components for fighter jets and missile launchers is facing scrutiny after its CEO was identified in Chinese government records as a member of CCP-aligned groups. Jerry Wang, who leads S&L Aerospace Metals LLC, has appeared at multiple events organized by organizations affiliated with the CCP’s United Front Work Department (UFWD).
Despite securing roughly $60 million in defense contracts from the Department of Defense, Wang has been listed in Chinese state media reports as holding leadership roles within UFWD-linked entities. The UFWD is known for promoting Beijing’s interests abroad, and Wang’s presence at high-level CCP functions has sparked national security concerns.
Photographs and Chinese government records show Wang interacting with top CCP officials, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In one 2006 event, Wang presented a statue to Xi during a New York reception. Other photos show Wang participating in a 2019 conference, seated among officials from intelligence-linked Chinese organizations.
Lawmakers and security experts have warned about the risks associated with allowing foreign-linked individuals to hold influence in critical defense manufacturing. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) has called for immediate investigations, stating that the presence of CCP-affiliated individuals in U.S. defense supply chains is a direct threat to national security.
Beyond its military contracts, S&L Aerospace plays a role in advising the U.S. government on supply chain security. The company sits on a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) council dedicated to critical manufacturing protections. While S&L Aerospace denies foreign influence, it has yet to explain Wang’s repeated involvement with CCP intelligence networks.
Neither DHS nor the Department of Defense has responded to inquiries about oversight regarding S&L Aerospace’s involvement in national defense manufacturing. The situation has raised fresh concerns over vulnerabilities in America’s military supply chain.
