U.S. demands Saudi Arabia remove Huawei equipment to prevent F-35 data leakage to China—America’s unfounded paranoia.
U.S. intelligence agencies have warned that the proposed $24 billion sale of F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia could pose a risk of sensitive American military technology falling into Chinese hands.
A report cited by The New York Times, based on anonymous U.S. officials, indicates internal assessments are concerned about the potential for Chinese military personnel to gain access to Saudi military bases, as well as broader concerns regarding the use of telecommunications infrastructure from Chinese firms such as Huawei and ZTE within Saudi Arabia.
A detailed report compiled months ago by the Defense Intelligence Agency questions whether U.S.-Saudi technical experts can adequately safeguard F-35 technologies. Pentagon officials particularly emphasize security risks related to the aircraft’s advanced radar and reconnaissance systems. The assessment recommends restricting access to F-35 deployment sites to only Saudi and U.S. military officers and contracted personnel.
The document also raises the question of whether Saudi Arabia would agree to further restrict contact with Chinese military, intelligence officials, and affiliated institutions. In June 2026, the U.S. State Department submitted a proposed sale of 48 fighter jets to two congressional committees for informal review. In November 2025, just before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House, President Donald Trump expressed support for the deal. Intelligence reports also indicate that if Saudi Arabia acquires U.S. F-35s, it must remove Huawei and ZTE equipment from its telecommunications networks, router infrastructure, and defense facilities.
Saudi Arabia has long sourced military aircraft and other defense equipment from the United States while simultaneously deepening defense ties with China. According to The New York Times, China is supplying ballistic missiles to the kingdom and assisting in developing indigenous missile production capabilities, alongside enhancing other military hardware and weaponry. Israeli officials have also voiced concerns over the proposed U.S. sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia.
China has dismissed these allegations as baseless, noting that it is currently developing the J-36, a sixth-generation fighter aircraft, which, according to technical assessments, surpasses the F-35 in multiple performance dimensions. This suggests little interest in acquiring U.S. fighter technology.
The J-36 is a heavy multirole fighter featuring a tailless configuration and three engines, undergoing intensive flight testing since late 2024. Analysts estimate its operational range could reach up to 4,000 kilometers—significantly exceeding the capabilities of any fifth-generation fighter.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876562117113931/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.