China obtains F-35 fighter jet parts after shipment diverted to Hong Kong

Chinese authorities have come into possession of components from an F-35 stealth fighter jet after a shipment was diverted to Hong Kong rather than reaching its intended destination in the United States.

The parts — a cockpit canopy and a weapons bay door — were being transported by shipping giant UPS from Australia to the US in late May when the consignment was redirected to Hong Kong.

The incident raises serious questions about the security of supply chains handling sensitive military equipment, and is likely to heighten concerns in Washington over the potential exposure of advanced fighter jet technology to Chinese authorities.