WASHINGTON, March 20 (Reuters) - A top lawmaker asked

the Pentagon to review French aerospace company Safran's

joint ventures in China, saying the U.S. defense

contractor's commercial ties with Chinese companies raise

concerns, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select

Committee on China, cited Safran's work with the Aviation

Industry Corporation of China, or AVIC, among

several issues that raise concerns. "While Safran's ventures in

China are commercial in nature, its work with these AVIC

subsidiaries may directly support entities that help advance the

CCP's military capabilities," the letter said.

Moolenaar's committee for months has been reviewing American

and western aerospace companies activities in China, including

Airbus. Safran did not immediately respond to a request for

comment. The Pentagon said it would respond directly to

Moolenaar.