US advances $24.3bn Saudi F-35 deal despite concerns over kingdom’s China ties

The US State Department approved a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This significant deal is valued at an estimated $24.3 billion for the kingdom. Concerns exist regarding China potentially accessing F-35 technology through Saudi Arabia. The proposed sale also raises questions about Israel’s military edge in the region. This approval moves the sale into a more advanced stage of review.