Zhuhai: China is set to unveil its stealth fighter jet next week, state media reported on Tuesday. The Chinese military will reveal for the first time its medium-sized J-35A stealth fighter jet, HQ-19 surface-to-air missile weapon system, as well as a new attack reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle during the event. The display of the stealth fighter jet will be made during the Airshow China, which will be held between Nov. 12 and 17 in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai.
According to Anadolu Agency, the disclosure of the stealth fighter jet comes as China’s President Xi Jinping has hailed the ‘important role’ of the country’s air force, stressing fulfilling the requirements to build a ‘strong, modernized’ force. Xi made the comments during an inspection of Airborne Force in central Hubei province on Monday. The Chinese president stressed that the airborne force ‘plays a particularly important role in our military’s power system and combat system.’
Xi emphasized the need to strengthen the army comprehens
ively, implement strategic guidelines, fulfill the requirements of the Air Force’s transformation and construction, and improve airborne combat capabilities. He urged efforts to build a strong modern airborne force, as he also chairs China’s Central Military Commission.
Last month, during an inspection of a brigade of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force in eastern Anhui province, Xi had called on troops to strengthen their preparedness for war. It is a standard practice for the Chinese leader to visit a military headquarters when he undertakes a visit to any province or autonomous region of China, which has the world’s second-largest military.
Xi’s focus on strengthening the air force comes as China regularly flies military aircraft around Taiwan, which it claims as its ‘breakaway province.’ Taipei stated on Tuesday that it detected 20 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels operating around the island nation. China has not ruled out using force to unite the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, whi
le Taipei has insisted on its independence since 1949.