Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Nov 18: President Donald Trump on Monday announced plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, despite concerns within his administration about potential Chinese access to the advanced US technology. The announcement comes ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s first visit to the United States in over seven years.

“I will say that we will be doing that… We’ll be selling F-35s,” Trump said. The fighter jet deal is among several major agreements expected during the visit, which also includes Saudi investments in US artificial intelligence infrastructure and new cooperation in civil nuclear energy.

The proposed sale has raised internal concerns about maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge and the risk of F-35 technology being transferred to China, given the kingdom’s growing ties with Beijing. Last month, Saudi Arabia and China conducted joint naval exercises, and China mediated Saudi-Iran diplomatic talks in 2023.

Trump’s announcement also aligns with his broader Middle East strategy, seeking to encourage Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords and normalize ties with Israel. However, Riyadh has made a guaranteed path to a Palestinian state a condition for signing the accords, a demand Israel opposes.

Experts, including Bradley Bowman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, suggested that Congress may seek assurances from Saudi Arabia regarding China, and that F-35 delivery should be contingent on progress toward normalization with Israel.

Trump’s outreach to Prince Mohammed marks a warming of ties following years of tension, including controversies over human rights and the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump praised the crown prince as a “great ally” and a key player in shaping the region’s future.

The visit is expected to solidify defense and economic agreements between the US and Saudi Arabia while advancing Trump’s vision for extending the Abraham Accords in the region.