'Dare to Side with China?' US-UAE F-35 Sale Faces 'Dark Clouds'

Concerns Over Possible Leakage of Advanced Weapon Information to China

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Reports have emerged that the Joe Biden administration is reconsidering the sale of F-35 stealth fighters to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a decision made by the previous Donald Trump administration. The reconsideration is believed to be due to concerns over the UAE's close ties with China.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 25th (local time) that the Biden administration's stance on the $21 billion sale of F-35s and drones to the UAE is changing. The Biden administration had previously confirmed in April that it would maintain the existing F-35 sales plan.

The situation reversed after U.S. intelligence agencies recently detected a Chinese People's Liberation Army aircraft landing in the UAE and unloading unidentified cargo.

The United States has regarded the UAE as a key ally in the Middle East but is now concerned about the UAE's sudden pro-China policy direction. A senior official told the WSJ, "The close relationship between the UAE and China is casting a shadow over the sale of U.S.-made weapons."

The U.S. side is worried that if advanced weapons are sold to the UAE, China might obtain information about them. There is concern that if China gains access to cutting-edge fighters like the F-35, it could create a significant security breach for the United States.

Previously, the Trump administration mediated the normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel and, in return, agreed to sell F-35s to the UAE.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.