Chinese Authorities Hold 2 Diverted F-35 Parts After Shipment Veered to Hong Kong
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 24
Chinese Authorities Hold 2 Diverted F-35 Parts After Shipment Veered to Hong Kong
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Sep 24
Summary
Bloomberg reported Chinese authorities have an F-35 cockpit canopy and weapons bay door after the shipment from Australia to the U.S. was diverted to Hong Kong in late May.
Both parts were coated with radar-absorbing material used to support the jet’s stealth profile, though Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said he understood no sensitive parts were in the missing shipment.
Australia is working with the U.S. and Lockheed Martin on the investigation, while UPS, Lockheed Martin and the Pentagon did not immediately comment.
The diversion lands amid longstanding U.S. concern over Chinese efforts to obtain F-35 technology, including past espionage cases and fresh scrutiny of a $24 billion Saudi F-35 sale.