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By Ellie Cook
Senior Defense Reporter
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China's J-35A fifth-generation fighter jet is in use with Beijing's military, new photos appear to show, as the U.S. turns its attention toward the Indo-Pacific and possible Chinese military plans for Taiwan.
Why It Matters
China has poured resources into a sophisticated and large-scale military buildup, including putting together a powerful air force.
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Its People's Liberation Army Air Force is "quickly approaching U.S. standards" as Beijing modernizes its fleets and weaves in drone technology, a senior U.S. defense official said in late 2024.
What To Know
New images widely circulating on social media purport to show the J-35A stealth fighter, although this could not be independently verified.
China unveiled the J-35A during a major air show in November, following on from the naval-based design known simply as the J-35.
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It is a fifth-generation jet, meaning it is kitted out with advanced avionics and sensors, designed to fly undetected and get past an enemy's air defenses.
The J-35 is frequently likened to the F-35, a U.S.-made fifth-generation stealth fighter billed by defense giant Lockheed Martin as the "most lethal, survivable and connected fighter jet in the world."
F-35s have been widely purchased by American allies across the world, while the U.S. also operates the F-22 Raptor, a second fifth-generation fighter that has not been exported abroad.
Much like the U.S., China operates a second stealth fighter, the J-20. Next-generation fighter jet programs are in their early stages but are expected to create jets that are harder to detect, more automated and fitted with upgraded weapons.
Chinese state-run media has described the J-35 as lighter and more versatile than the J-20, able to at once beat back an enemy's air defenses and how they can move in the air while striking ground and sea targets.
The U.S. has broadcast its intention to focus on the Indo-Pacific, leaving Europe scrambling to quickly build up its own militaries and defense industry.
"Every day you see it. China's military harasses Taiwan," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a speech at a major defense forum in Singapore in May.
"These activities have been paired with China's rapid military modernization and buildup—including huge investments in nuclear weapons, hypersonics, and amphibious assault capabilities," Hegseth said. Hypersonic weapons are expensive and difficult-to-produce systems able to travel at Mach 5—i.e., upwards of five times the speed of sound.
Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway part of China to be eventually united with it under central control. Beijing has called the democratic self-governing island an "inalienable part of China." However, Taipei has long asserted its independence and aligned itself with Western allies.
"It has to be clear to all that Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific," Hegseth added.
U.S. officials have said Chinese President Xi Jinping wants China's armed forces to be able to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027, even if war plans are not put into motion around that date.
What People Are Saying
Retired General Charles Flynn, who previously served as the commander of U.S. Army Pacific, said in May: "The threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is no longer distant or theoretical."
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in Singapore on May 31: "The threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent. We hope not. But it certainly could be."
China's Foreign Ministry responded on June 1: "The remarks were filled with provocations and intended to sow division."
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