The spread of disinformation like this is completely in line with the science-denying mindset of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Washington now faces choices: proceed with the deal and adjust its conception of alliances in the region or succumb to legislative stagnation and reject or downgrade the deal.
While China has warned of serious consequences and may impose sanctions, the U.S. frames the sale as a necessary sustainment measure for existing aircraft rather than an escalation.