US Intelligence Flags Chinese Espionage Risks in Saudi F-35 Deal

• •US intelligence warns of potential Chinese espionage linked to Saudi F-35 sale.
• •The proposed deal is valued at $24 billion and involves dozens of advanced fighter jets.
• •Concerns center on China's access to sensitive technology through military cooperation.

US intelligence officials have raised alarms regarding a $24 billion deal to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, citing potential risks of Chinese espionage. Analysts indicate that China could access sensitive F-35 technology through espionage activities in Saudi Arabia or via its military partnership with the kingdom. An assessment by the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency highlighted concerns about China's military access to Saudi bases and the kingdom's use of Chinese technology in its telecommunications infrastructure. This assessment has been shared with various US administration agencies and congressional offices. The report follows a broader assessment issued in fall 2025, which also expressed similar concerns as the administration considered the arms sale.