China presents new fighter jet J-35

The stealth jet is not only intended to strengthen its own military – but is also for sale.

The new fighter jet that China’s leadership has now presented to the public for the first time is called J-35. This morning the jet flew over the air show in Zhuhai, southern China, and a model can also be seen at the trade fair.

The new stealth jet, which is called a “stealth fighter” in English, has been in development for over ten years. There is a version for use on aircraft carriers and one for takeoffs and landings on land. According to a press release, the J-35’s job is to control the airspace and intercept and eliminate enemy fighter jets and other targets.

Interested parties from abroad

China wants to use the jets not only for its own military, but also to sell them. Several countries have already expressed interest. The new aircraft are smaller than previous stealth fighter jets made in China.

Not much is known about the details, however. This is no surprise, because China’s military keeps a lot of things secret. With around two million soldiers, the Chinese armed forces are the world’s most powerful military. The People’s Republic is one of the countries in the world that spends the most money on defense.

China is arming its military

The communist government has modernized and massively upgraded the military in recent years, including nuclear weapons – and is becoming increasingly aggressive, including in the South China Sea.

Recently there have been repeated violent clashes with Philippine naval ships. In addition, military exercises are increasing around the democratically governed island of Taiwan. China’s communist leadership claims the island for itself.