A Pentagon Defense Intelligence Agency report questioned whether Saudi Arabia can protect sensitive fighter jet technology from Chinese espionage. The internal document cited Chinese access to Saudi facilities and the kingdom's use of Chinese telecommunications equipment as primary risk factors. These concerns surfaced as the Trump administration advances a planned sale of 48 F-35 jets and a spare engine totaling $24 billion.

U.S. intelligence agencies raised similar alarms previously, which delayed a separate transfer of fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates over its growing ties with Beijing. The report indicates that espionage or military cooperation between Riyadh and China could result in the acquisition of restricted aviation technology.