Chinese authorities are reported to have taken possession of two components of the U.S.‑made F‑35 fighter jet after a shipment was diverted to Hong Kong, according to a CNBC report.
The parts – a cockpit canopy and a weapons bay door – were being shipped by logistics company UPS from Australia to the United States in late May when the cargo was rerouted to Hong Kong.
Both items are integral to the F‑35, a fifth‑generation stealth aircraft that is subject to strict U.S. export controls and is a key element of the United States’ defense portfolio.
The diversion of the shipment and its subsequent handling by Chinese authorities have prompted concerns about compliance with export regulations and the security of advanced military technology, although neither the United States nor China has issued an official comment on the matter.
The incident was first reported by CNBC, and further details about the circumstances of the diversion and the status of the components remain unclear.
<small>Source: CNBC — read the original story there.</small>