China unveils newest stealth fighter jet at airshow to reinforce air power capabilities

The Chinese military has unveiled its latest stealth fighter jet at an airshow in the southern part of the country.

Airshow China, a biennial aviation exhibition, opened in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, on Tuesday. The event featured more than 130 aircraft, including military planes, drones, as well as civilian airplanes.

The new aircraft, known as the J-35A, is a midsize, multi-role stealth fighter jet and its flight was shown to the public for a few minutes.

The military already has larger J-20 stealth fighter jets in operation.

The forthcoming airshow in Zhuhai coincides with the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic’s founding. Russia is also set to display its Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter aircraft at the airshow for the first time.

If the J-35A is adopted, the country’s state-run media says China will be the second country after the United States to have two types of stealth fighters in active service.

Beijing apparently wants to show its reinforced air force capabilities to the US by exhibiting its most advanced fighter jets alongside Russia’s.

The military drone CH-7 also made its debut. It is said to have stealth capabilities.

Russia’s latest fighter aircraft, the Sukhoi Su-57, flew in the event, and its acrobatic flight team performed for the first time in eight years.

Beijing apparently intends to demonstrate the buildup of its air force, as well as stronger ties with Russia against other countries, including the US and Japan.