US Union Opposes Technology Transfers With China

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers has called on the US Department of Commerce to abandon a programme that gives Chinese companies access to aerospace technology that offers potential military applications.

Union president Tom Buffenbarger says reducing control on technology transfers increases the risk that US technology will help China improve its defence forces, or that it will be leaked to Syria or Iran.

"It is naïve to assume that relaxing export restrictions on sensitive aerospace technology does not represent a significant threat to US jobs, companies and communities," he says.

"It is equally naïve to ignore the national security implications of such technology transfers to China."

By staff writer