US intelligence agencies are concerned that China could obtain sensitive F-35 technology through espionage or its military ties with Saudi Arabia, according to internal intelligence reports revealed by The New York Times on Wednesday.
A report by the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency raised doubts about Saudi Arabia's ability to safeguard technology associated with the advanced US fighter jet, citing Chinese access to Saudi military facilities and the kingdom's use of Chinese telecommunications equipment.
The concerns come as the Trump administration advances a planned $24 billion deal to sell Saudi Arabia 48 F-35 fighter jets and a spare engine.
Similar concerns previously held up a proposed sale of F-35s to the United Arab Emirates as its ties with China grew closer.
