US Intelligence Warns China Could Exploit F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia

US intelligence agencies, including the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency, have produced internal assessments warning that China could obtain access to sensitive American fighter jet technology in connection with a planned sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia.

The reports indicate that China could gain valuable insight into the F-35 program through two channels: espionage, or through Saudi Arabia's close economic and military ties with Beijing.

Analysts believe that Saudi Arabia's extensive cooperation with China across multiple sectors creates a risk that sensitive information about the jets' technology, systems or operations could reach Chinese hands, even without direct approval from the Saudi government.

The F-35 is considered one of the most advanced multirole fighter jets developed by the United States, and its technology is regarded as among the most closely guarded American military secrets. Any leak of this technology would be seen as a serious blow to US military superiority.

According to the reports, concerns about a possible technology leak are being seriously weighed within the US government as it considers the planned deal with Saudi Arabia. It remains unclear how these concerns will affect the eventual decision on the jet sale.