US Intelligence Fears Chinese Espionage Risk in Saudi F-35 Deal

American intelligence officials have expressed concerns that a potential deal to sell dozens of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia could create opportunities for Chinese espionage. The proposed sale, which has not yet been approved, is reportedly valued at $24 billion.

Intelligence analysts suggest that China might seek to acquire F-35 technology through spying within Saudi Arabia or by leveraging its existing military and security partnerships with the Kingdom. This concern arises amid broader reports of Chinese state-owned shipping giant COSCO allegedly using its vessels to spy on military communications near foreign coastlines, including those of the United States. COSCO has not commented on these allegations, while the Chinese embassy in Washington has denied them.

Separately, a security official told i24NEWS that cooperation with Saudi Arabia "reopens the channel for expanding the Abraham Accords." The official also commented on recent escalations, stating that "Erdogan's defense pact is not worth the paper it is written on" and that Turkey's actions presented Israel with an opportunity to clarify to the Saudis "who is worth allying with." The official emphasized Israel's shared interests with Saudi Arabia and highlighted Israel's willingness to provide assistance, concluding, "Know who your friends are."