Iran has been reported to seek fighter jets from China after Israeli attacks quickly wiped out its air defenses

The United States has for the first time deployed its 5th-generation F-35 stealth fighter at the Clark Air Base in Philippines, a move that could further raise US-China tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Findings from a French intelligence service seen by The Associated Press say defence attaches in China's foreign embassies led a charge to undermine Rafale sales, seeking to persuade countries that have already ordered the French-made fighter — notably Indonesia — not to buy more and to encourage other potential buyers to choose Chinese-made planes.