On December 26, 2024, while much of the Western world was recovering from Christmas festivities, China made headlines by unveiling a series of advanced military technologies to commemorate the birthday of its founding father, Mao Zedong. In a display of military prowess, Beijing revealed its largest amphibious assault ship to date alongside two new sixth-generation stealth fighter jets, the J-36 and another model from the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, which has left military analysts and social media abuzz.
The J-36 is being touted as the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet. Videos circulated online show the aircraft, which features a distinctive diamond-like delta wing and a completely tailless design. This innovative configuration is believed to enhance its stealth capabilities by reducing the radar signature while also allowing for improved supersonic cruising speeds. Notably, the J-36 is larger than its predecessor, the J-20, enabling it to conduct long-range missions with greater payload capacity. The aircraft’s design includes a unique triple air intake system, suggesting the potential for three engines—an unprecedented feature in modern fighter jets, which may be essential for high-altitude and long-range operations.
Simultaneously, approximately 2,500 kilometers away in Shenyang, another stealth fighter jet, reportedly a sixth-generation model, took to the skies. This aircraft, revealed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is characterized by a swept-wing design and was seen operating alongside a J-16 fighter. Both aircraft share a tailless configuration, which is designed to enhance their low-observability features. This marks a significant step for China as it becomes the first nation to unveil prototypes of sixth-generation fighters, a milestone that the United States and several European nations have yet to achieve, with their designs remaining on paper.
The unveiling of these advanced military assets comes amidst an ongoing anti-corruption campaign within the Chinese military, resulting in the removal of two defense ministers and several high-ranking generals in recent months. This backdrop of internal strife has not deterred President Xi Jinping’s ambitions to project China as a formidable military power. Defense experts suggest that the rapid development and unveiling of these sixth-generation fighters aim to assert China’s dominance in aerial warfare, a strategic priority as nations race for superiority in advanced military technology.
In addition to the fighter jets, China also commissioned the amphibious assault ship named Sichuan, equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, capable of launching fighter jets and carrying a significant number of troops and equipment. This vessel enhances China’s capabilities for amphibious operations and serves as a clear signal regarding its intentions towards Taiwan, a region Beijing views as integral to its national sovereignty. The Chinese government has reiterated that any moves toward Taiwan independence will be met with resolute opposition, framing the military developments as necessary for maintaining regional stability.
Despite these advancements, the latest Pentagon reports indicate that the Chinese Air Force still lags behind the United States in terms of overall numbers, combat experience, and technological superiority. Nevertheless, military analysts caution that the unveiling of sixth-generation fighters could shift the balance of power in the near future, particularly as China aims to have these aircraft operational by 2032.
As global tensions rise and military innovations advance, the implications of China’s latest military announcements are likely to resonate far beyond its borders, influencing geopolitical dynamics and defense strategies worldwide.
