TechCrunch Industry News SpaceX reportedly has a secret backdoor for Chinese investment
Mar 28, 2025
Elon Musk's SpaceX is in the spotlight for reportedly allowing Chinese investors to buy stakes through offshore routes. This controversial approach raises critical national security concerns. The discussion dives into the potential risks of foreign investments in American defense firms and questions the transparency of such dealings. Listeners are left pondering what this means for U.S. interests and the future of aerospace.
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Chinese Investment in SpaceX
- SpaceX allows Chinese investors to buy stakes through offshore hubs like the Cayman Islands.
- This raises national security concerns due to SpaceX's defense contracts and sensitive work.
Aborted Chinese Deal
- Details of SpaceX's investment approach emerged during a corporate dispute in Delaware.
- This involved an aborted 2021 deal with a Chinese firm planning a $50 million stock purchase.
Concealed Investments
- SpaceX uses offshore vehicles, often used to keep investors anonymous, for Chinese investments.
- Experts find this troubling as it could conceal foreign ownership interests.