Washington: President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that his administration will proceed with the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, despite internal concerns that the transfer could allow China access to highly sensitive US defence technology.

The announcement comes on the eve of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s long-anticipated visit to Washington — his first trip to the United States in more than seven years.

Asked whether he would authorise the sale, Trump said: “I will say that we will be doing that. We’ll be selling F-35s.”

The delivery of the advanced aircraft is expected to be one of several major agreements unveiled during the visit. Saudi Arabia is also preparing to announce a multibillion-dollar investment in US artificial intelligence infrastructure, along

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