Has China received US F-35 parts by diverting an Australian shipment?

Australia and US investigate F-35 parts mistakenly sent to Hong Kong amid concerns over sensitive military technology.

x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info A US Marine Corps F-35C on display at America's Air Show in San Diego, California, September 26, 2025 [Kevin Carter/Getty Images] By Al Jazeera Staff and AFP Published On 24 Sep 2026 24 Sep 2026 The United States is investigating reports that parts of its advanced F-35 stealth fighter jet programme were diverted to Hong Kong while being shipped from Australia to the US.

The incident last week has prompted questions over whether China may have gained access to components of one of Washington’s most sophisticated weapons systems.

There has been no suggestion so far from US or Australian authorities that Beijing deliberately diverted the shipment or accessed the technology.