US intelligence officials warn a proposed $24B sale of F-35 fighter jets

US intelligence officials warn a proposed $24B sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could expose sensitive technology to China, according to a report in US media

▪ Analysts say Beijing could gain access through espionage or Saudi-Chinese military cooperation

▫ A Pentagon intelligence assessment examined China’s access to Saudi bases and Riyadh’s use of Chinese telecom technology

▪ The assessment also raised questions over whether sensitive F-35 technology could be adequately protected in Saudi Arabia