What's happened
China's military is enhancing its aerial capabilities with the successful testing of the J-35 stealth fighter on the CNS Liaoning aircraft carrier and the integration of drones in military operations. Recent exercises demonstrate the PLA's focus on modern warfare strategies, particularly regarding Taiwan.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Business Insider UK, the J-35's successful tests on the Liaoning represent a significant milestone for China's naval aviation capabilities. The article notes that the J-35 is lighter than its predecessor, the J-15, which could enhance its operational efficiency. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post highlights the PLA's integration of drones in military exercises, emphasizing their role in reconnaissance and strike missions, particularly concerning Taiwan. This reflects a broader trend in modern warfare where unmanned systems are becoming increasingly central to military strategies. The contrasting perspectives from these sources illustrate the urgency and seriousness with which China is approaching its military modernization efforts.
How we got here
China's military modernization has accelerated in recent years, focusing on advanced technologies like stealth fighters and drones. The J-35's testing marks a significant step in developing carrier-based air power, while drone operations reflect lessons learned from recent conflicts.
More on these topics
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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The People's Liberation Army is the armed forces of the People's Republic of China and its founding and ruling political party, the Chinese Communist Party.
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Beijing, alternatively romanized as Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is the world's most populous capital city, with over 21 million residents within an administrative area of 16,410.5 km².