Exclusive | Sen. Bernie Moreno demands probe of Chinese solar companys planned building purchase near military base
WASHINGTON — Sen.Bernie Moreno is demanding a national security review of a Chinese solar manufacturer’s purchase of a facility located near a US military base in Dayton, Ohio, arguing the firm is a “shell company” for Beijing’s efforts to “advance its military and intelligence objectives.”In a Friday letter, Moreno (R-Ohio) expressed his “grave concerns” to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and asked his department to investigate the transaction, which had been referred to him by the Dayton Development Coalition June 22.“It is my understanding that SolarSpace intends to lease or purchase a facility located at 2555 Woodman Drive, Kettering, Ohio, which is approximately 13 miles from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,” Moreno said.“Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is a critical military installation with a workforce of approximately 38,000 employees … The base is not only one of the Department of War’s most strategically significant installations, but also a cornerstone of U.S.
air and space superiority, serving as a central hub for aerospace research, engineering, and intelligence, including the Air Force Research Laboratory,” he added.“Yet, one of our greatest foes is attempting to move in nearly next door.”Moreno also urged Bessent: “We cannot allow potential shell companies for the Chinese Communist Party [CCP] to buy land or facilities near our most sensitive military and critical infrastructure sites, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.”SolarSpace Technology Co., Ltd., whose reps didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, is headquartered in Xuzhou, China, and makes solar cells and modules.Beijing has been quietly buying up US farmland and other facilities near military bases and other installations in recent years, alarming American officials and national security experts.In 2024, The Post identified at least 19 bases from Florida to Hawaii that stood near land purchased by Chinese entities — including W...