The Pentagon is working to recover components from an F-35 fighter jet that were taken by Chinese authorities in May after a shipment destined for the United States was unexpectedly rerouted to Hong Kong.
The episode, first reported by Politico, has prompted concern that China may gain access to sensitive technology incorporated into the stealth aircraft.
“The F-35 Joint Program Office and Department of War are aware of a shipment issue involving unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components,” the Pentagon said in a statement provided to The Post.
The department said it is coordinating with US authorities and defense-industry partners to recover the parts, determine what happened and strengthen safeguards against a similar incident.
According to Bloomberg, the shipment reportedly contained a cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door, both of which are covered with radar-absorbing material.
The components came from an Australian military F-35 and were being sent to the United States through UPS for inspection, possible repair or disposal, the outlet reported.
The aircraft carrying the shipment stopped in South Korea before being redirected to Hong Kong. Chinese authorities then took possession of the Lockheed Martin-made parts.
It remains unclear why the shipment was diverted to Hong Kong or whether the rerouting was deliberate or accidental.
News of the incident emerged shortly before Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington.
President Trump greeted Xi on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday and is scheduled to host the Chinese leader for a state dinner at the White House on Thursday night.
“The juxtaposition is hard to miss,” Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) told Bloomberg. “The Chinese are holding some of our most sensitive technology and we are rolling out the red carpet for their president.”
Slotkin said she had not been briefed on the apparent shipping mishap, but cautioned that China remains both a competitor and an adversary on intelligence and military matters.
“They are always seeking information about our military equipment, sensitive information,” she said.
