China accused of holding diverted US F-35 fighter jet components

At least two US congressional committees have launched inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the interception of restricted F-35 fighter jet parts that Chinese authorities are believed to be holding, according to multiple sources familiar with the investigation.

The components, which carry significant strategic military value, were diverted through Hong Kong en route to their intended destinations. The precise details of how the parts were intercepted and the timeline of events remain unclear, though the incident has prompted alarm among US defence officials concerned about the security of advanced weapons technology.

The investigation underscores persistent concerns within the US defence and intelligence community about vulnerabilities in supply chains for cutting-edge military equipment. Hong Kong's role as a major international trading hub has previously drawn scrutiny from Washington, which has expressed worry about the territory's use as a conduit for restricted materials and technologies destined for mainland China.

The F-35 Lightning II is among the world's most advanced fighter jets, jointly developed by the United States and several allied nations. Access to its components could provide valuable intelligence to Beijing about the aircraft's capabilities and vulnerabilities. The incident is likely to intensify debates in Congress about strengthening export controls and supply chain oversight for sensitive defence technologies.