Military technology transfer stories

Sep 23, 2026

China holds sensitive F-35 parts diverted to Hong Kong from Australia

China has taken possession of potentially sensitive F-35 stealth aircraft parts that were inexplicably diverted to Hong Kong while being sent to the US from Australia, sparking security investigations.

Sep 23, 20268 sources

Jul 29, 2026

Iran to receive Chinese shoulder-launched missile systems worth up to $70 million, sources say

Iran is set to receive 300 to 400 Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 MANPADS (man-portable air-defense systems) within weeks under a contract valued at $60-70 million, according to sources. China has denied the report as groundless, while Pakistan has also denied involvement in the transfers.

Jul 29, 20261 source

Top claims

▪U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin criticized hosting a state visit for Chinese President Xi Jinping, hosted by President Donald Trump, while China held sensitive American military technology
▪Disclosure of the F-35 parts diversion to Hong Kong from Australia coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival in the United States on September 23, 2026, for a state visit hosted by President Donald Trump
▪Lockheed Martin stated that the U.S. Department of Defense picked the transportation options for the F-35 shipment, and Lockheed Martin selected UPS as the carrier that aligned with those parameters

Subtopics

Defense & military alliances2 Arms trade & proliferation1 China's foreign policy1 China’s military modernization1 Hong Kong1 Iran & regional influence1 Iran War1 Middle East1 U.S.–China relations1

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