American intelligence warns that the contract to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could put sensitive technology at risk of being leaked to China.

American intelligence warns that the contract to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could put sensitive technology at risk of being leaked to China.

According to the New York Times, citing U.S. officials familiar with internal assessments, U.S. intelligence officials have warned that the proposed $24 billion deal to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could jeopardize sensitive aviation technology from being used by China for spying.

According to the report, intelligence analysts are concerned that China could gain access to F-35 technology through spying in Saudi Arabia or through Riyadh's expanding military and defense ties with Beijing. A recent assessment by the US Defense Intelligence Agency examined Chinese military access to Saudi bases and China's use of communications equipment in the kingdom, and also questioned whether US and Saudi authorities could ensure adequate security at facilities containing sensitive F-35 systems.