This profile was compiled from Washington Post and washingtonpost.com staff reports. Click on linked names to read other profiles, or see the full list of key players.

Christopher Cox, a Republican congressman from California, will head a select committee to probe allegations that China illegally obtained missile technology from a U.S. company that received favorable treatment from the administration.

From The Post: • Gingrich Wants Panel to Probe China Deal 20, May 20, 1998

At issue: Whether Loral Space and Communications Ltd. and Hughes Electronics Corp. helped improve China's missile guidance systems by analyzing a failed 1996 satellite launch in China; and whether the White House's decision this year to grant Loral a waiver for another satellite launch in China was granted on account of donations from Loral CEO and major Democratic contributor Bernard Shwartz.

Cox is a member of the House GOP leadership and vice chairman of the Government Reform and Oversight Committee. His eight-member panel will be composed of five Republicans and three Democrats.

Cox says much of the information associated with the case will be classified. "When you have a heavy dose of national security and intelligence, it's important to keep it a reasonably close and a cooperative group," he said.

• See Rep. Cox's listing in our Congressional Guide.

Last updated May 21, 1998