Hong Kong authorities decline to comment on report that US fighter jet parts diverted to city

Hong Kong authorities have not commented on claims that parts for F-35 fighter jets, potentially obtained through a diversion, were sent to the city. Politico reported in recent weeks that a shipment of US-bound F-35 components, en route to the United States from Australia in the summer, allegedly landed in Hong Kong, based on anonymous sources. This revelation has triggered an investigation by the US government due to fears China might obtain sensitive information about the advanced weapon system.

A Hong Kong government spokesperson stated that the authorities "will not comment on individual incidents." According to Politico, the shipment included the aircraft's canopies, which contain technology exclusive to the United States and its allies. House Armed Services Committee spokesperson Heather Vaughan confirmed that the committee is aware of the matter and has received multiple briefings. The committee is currently investigating the incident.

The F-35 project is overseen by the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, which includes the United States and its allies such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada among its partners. In 2022, a spokesperson from Beijing's foreign ministry stated that China had "no interest in [the US's] aircraft."