WASHINGTON, July 11 (Reuters) - Republican lawmakers are

seeking an intelligence briefing from the Biden administration

on Microsoft's ( MSFT ) $1.5 billion investment in UAE-based artificial

intelligence firm G42, citing concerns over the transfer of

sensitive technology and G42's ties to China.

In a letter to White House National Security Advisor Jake

Sullivan, Congressman Michael McCaul, who chairs the House

foreign Affairs Committee, and John Moolenaar, who leads the

Select Committee on China, asked for the briefing before the

deal can enter a second phase.

"We remain deeply concerned by attempts to move quickly to

advance a partnership that involves the unprecedented transfer

of highly sensitive, U.S.-origin technology, without

congressional consultation or clearly defined regulations in

place," the lawmakers said in the letter, dated July 10.

"Given the ties between (China) and G42, as well as

(China's) continued interests in the UAE, we ask that the

National Intelligence Council prepare an official Intelligence

Community assessment on the ties between G42...to the Chinese

Communist Party, the People's Liberation Army, or any part of

(China's) apparatus, before this partnership proceeds further,"

they added.

The White House National Security Council did not

immediately respond to a request for comment.