The New York Times, citing U.S. intelligence officials, reported that a potential U.S. sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could expose sensitive American military technology to Chinese espionage or cyberattacks.
The report said the Chinese military could potentially gain access to U.S. military bases in Saudi Arabia. It also warned that Riyadh’s use of Chinese technology in its communications systems could expose sensitive U.S. information.
Israel is currently the only country in the region operating U.S-made F-35 fighter jets.
Turkey and Saudi Arabia have sought to acquire F-35 fighter jets for years.