China showcased a new batch of weapons at its biennial airshow last week, including a new stealth fighter jet which could challenge America’s power in the region, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.
China’s new stealth fighter, the J-35A, flew over the crowds at the airshow, made a steep climb, and shot out of sight.
Its appearance at the airshow suggests that China is aiming to match or even surpass the United States' capabilities in the Western Pacific, according to analysts.
Under leader Xi Jinping, China has taken significant strides to modernize its military, including holding a series of increasingly complex combat drills and sending its ships further into disputed waters.
The J-35A is the latest sign of Beijing’s ambition.
“For the incoming Trump administration, it’s another reminder of the formidable capabilities of the PLA Air Force that the U.S. will have to contend with for years to come,” said Lyle Morris, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute.
But despite the threat of its powerful debut, it may be some time before the J-35A is actually deployed. Wang Yongqing, an aircraft design expert affiliated with the Chinese government, said that manufacturers still need to develop new technology for the J-35A’s stealth capabilities.
Beijing has not announced when the jet will become operational.
