November 12, 2024, China's J-20 fighter jet (AFP)

September 19, 2025, last Friday, the skies over northeastern China were filled with the roar of jet engines and colorful smoke trails, marking the official opening of the 2025 Changchun Air Show, themed "Chasing Dreams in the Sky, Winning the Future."

In an exciting display of China's aerial power, thousands of spectators marveled at modern fighter squadrons - from stealth fighters to heavy bombers - gliding through the sky in precise formations.

The five-day exhibition is part of the Chinese Air Force's "Open Day" activities, offering the public an unprecedented glimpse into China's latest military aviation achievements and flight performances.

From the first public display of the J-20 stealth fighter to complex demonstrations involving refueling aircraft and drones, the exhibition showcases Beijing's growing confidence in its ability to project aerial power and advanced skills.

First Display

The exhibition coincided with the week following the nationwide military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, indicating that China is coordinating the display of its latest aerospace systems, allowing the public and foreign observers to see equipment that had only been briefly showcased before.

The J-20 stealth fighter, China's most advanced fighter, took center stage. Although it had previously appeared at the 2016 China International Aviation Aerospace Exhibition, this was its first time on the ground after a spectacular air show, allowing the public to view it up close.

Experts and enthusiasts could also get a close look at the details of the fighter. A Chinese military analyst told the Global Times that the disclosure of these details indicates that China has advanced models such as the J-20A and the twin-seat J-20S, showing that the basic technology for stealth fighters is developing.

Additionally, the exhibition witnessed the first public appearance of multiple drones, reflecting the rapid development of China's drone technology. Advanced drones - some driven by artificial intelligence or remotely controlled - were displayed alongside manned fighters, indicating that China is seeking to develop its next-generation air combat capabilities.

One example is the "Loyal Wingman" concept, which was presented through animation, reflecting the vision of manned-unmanned cooperative operations. In the video, a drone played the role of a "Loyal Wingman" alongside a J-20 fighter, illustrating China's trend in developing manned-unmanned cooperative combat concepts, similar to Western military strategies.

Long-term rumors about converting old fighters into drones were also confirmed at the exhibition. A pilotless model of a 1950s J-6 fighter was displayed, marking the official announcement that these retired fighters have been converted for unmanned use, possibly including use as decoy targets or low-cost attack squadrons - which is crucial for any potential situation in the Taiwan Strait.

Air Show

In the skies, Chinese pilots performed impressive flight displays aimed at showcasing their performance skills and combat capabilities. Shortly after the opening ceremony, a deep rumble announced the arrival of the H-6 bomber formation slicing through the sky. Two H-6K long-range strategic bombers flew low over the review field.

Minutes later, an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft, the KJ-2000, appeared, escorted by a well-organized formation of four J-20 stealth fighters. The four fighters flew alongside the slower turboprop aircraft, then executed tactical exchange maneuvers, demonstrating the coordination capability between different types of aircraft.

This formation showed how stealth fighters can protect a high-value reconnaissance aircraft in simulated combat training scenarios. According to the pilots participating in the performance, some of the displays are based on regularly rehearsed combat scenarios. Some believe that bringing regular combat training to the parade is a way to demonstrate the readiness of the forces to the public.

Shortly after, an Y-20A tanker appeared, followed by two J-16 fighters performing a simulated refueling operation.

The aircraft demonstrated its fuel hose refueling system, showcasing a key capability that the Chinese Air Force has been continuously developing in recent years. This formation demonstrated how modern Chinese fighters can expand their operational range through aerial refueling, which is crucial for conducting long-range operations across the vast Asian region.

High-performance fighters also captured the attention of the audience with precise single-plane maneuvers. The J-16, a twin-engine multirole fighter, first climbed vertically into the air, then performed tight rolls simulating an aerial dogfight, showcasing its vertical combat skills and maneuverability.

A squadron of J-10C fighters - the mainstay of the Chinese Air Force - also flew in a dense formation. Four J-20 stealth fighters formed a low-altitude diamond formation, then executed synchronized tactical cross-maneuvers, simulating a technique designed to confuse enemy radar.

The exhibition also featured acrobatic performances by three air force flight demonstration teams, who sprayed colorful smoke trails in the sky.

Display of Strength

The scale and openness of the Changchun Air Show reflect China's transformation in aerospace capabilities and its increasing confidence in showcasing them. Hosted by the China International Aviation Exhibition City located on the outskirts of Changchun, this year's event is the fourth edition and has doubled in size compared to previous editions.

Since the Chinese Air Force began holding such open days in 2011, the air show has become a platform to showcase its military development and strategic modernization.

Although the 2025 Changchun Air Show mainly targeted domestic audiences, it also attracted international attention. Military experts and defense analysts from around the world closely watched the exhibitions and announcements at the event, viewing China's participation as a barometer of its future strength and development trends.

Advanced technologies such as the J-20 stealth fighter, high-speed drones, and electronic warfare aircraft made their public debut, sending a message to the international community that China's air power has reached an advanced level.

The debut of the J-20 fighter and advanced drones may be significant for Taiwan, as it is expected that Taiwan will play a key role in any potential confrontation in the Taiwan Strait. However, Chinese officials usually frame its effectiveness within the context of national defense and technological development, without directly mentioning any specific adversaries.

Previously, China's modernized aircraft were displayed in secrecy or at limited events. However, at the Changchun Air Show, foreign media and military attaches were allowed to enter, giving people a clearer understanding of the image of the Chinese Air Force. Officially released images of stealth fighters flying in formation in front of the crowd, rather than relying on leaked photos or satellite images, formed part of China's narrative for foreign audiences.

November 6, 2018, during the first day of the China-Singapore Air Show in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, two Chengdu J-20 stealth fighters performed a flight demonstration (European Press Agency)

Developing Air Power

As Scott Tanner, a Chinese security analyst and Asia expert, pointed out, the most significant shift in China's perception of the air force's role occurred in the 1990s. After learning from the painful lessons of Iraq's defeat in the Gulf War and thoroughly reviewing its military theory, Beijing concluded that "a weak force content with defense would suffer attacks," and only through "active offensive actions" could one gain the initiative.

This shift came alongside China's growing awareness of the importance of safeguarding domestic and international national interests, especially in the face of increasing possibilities of military conflict over the Taiwan issue. Since 1993, China has redefined the air force's role as the cornerstone of modern warfare and established a new strategy aimed at winning "local wars under high-tech conditions," which imposed new quality requirements on the air force.

In March 1999, China outlined this transformation, explicitly stating that the air force's strategic goal was to "gradually transition from a defensive to a dual defensive and offensive type." To achieve this vision, Beijing launched a comprehensive air force modernization program, including the purchase of advanced fighters like the Su-30 from Russia, the development of domestically produced fighters like the J-10, and the expansion of airborne early warning, transport, and refueling fleets.

China has joined the club of stealth aircraft manufacturers with the J-20, becoming the second country after the United States to possess such an advanced fifth-generation fighter. China has also launched a sixth-generation fighter project, clearly demonstrating its ambition to consolidate its dominance in the Asian aerial domain.

China's current military modernization efforts began in 1978 and accelerated in the 1990s. In 2017, the Chinese military set three goals: by 2020, basically achieve mechanization of the armed forces; by 2035, basically achieve modernization of the armed forces; and by 2049, when the People's Republic of China celebrates its 100th anniversary, build a world-class military force.

In contrast, the U.S. Department of Defense's 2020 annual report titled "Developments Related to the People's Republic of China" submitted to Congress stated that China's military power has matched or even surpassed that of the United States in shipbuilding, ballistic and conventional land-based cruise missiles, and integrated air defense systems.

The U.S. Congressional Research Service noted that the U.S. believes China's military modernization efforts aim to develop the necessary capabilities to resolve the Taiwan issue militarily if needed; gain greater control or dominance over China's near seas, particularly the South China Sea; protect China's trade routes, especially those connecting China and the Arabian Gulf; replace U.S. influence in the Western Pacific; and confirm China's status as a major regional and global power.

An Untested Air Force?

For decades, especially since the Vietnam War in 1979, China has never tested its aerial power in direct conflicts, instead choosing to avoid involvement in overseas wars. In contrast, the United States and its allies have carried out a series of large-scale military operations in the Gulf, the Balkans, and Afghanistan, where aerial power has been the core and key decisive factor in the fighting.

Despite currently possessing one of the largest and most advanced air forces in the world, with approximately 4,000 aircraft, more than half of which are fighters, ranking third in the world, just behind the United States and Russia, this air force has yet to be tested on the battlefield.

This raises questions about its actual combat readiness. No matter how precise the exercises and training, the pre-set scenarios differ from real combat and the unexpected situations that come with it.

Therefore, the question remains: if a large-scale conflict breaks out, can this air force gain a tangible advantage? Or, despite its attempts to showcase this at the Changchun Air Show, is it still primarily a deterrent force that might fail in the first real confrontation?

Moreover, China's large but untested air force leaves its opponents uncertain. The lack of combat experience makes it challenging to assess its actual performance, with some analysts suggesting that this deficiency may reduce its effectiveness under combat pressure. Others argue that China has compensated for the lack of experience through strict training programs and continuous technological modernization, which may make it capable of fighting effectively upon its first test.

This ambiguity may be advantageous for Beijing. Its opponents lack accurate knowledge of its combat readiness, while its allies are unsure how it will respond in case of conflict. Therefore, the considerations of the United States and its regional allies are based on the assumption that China may be a difficult opponent; while Beijing tries to assure its neighbors that it will not seek military adventures that could force neighbors to ally against it.

Although China has not been involved in aerial combat for decades, its aircraft and combat technologies have been deployed on allied battlefields, providing it with indirect experience to enhance its military image.

Pakistan is a recent prominent example, as it is the largest foreign user of Chinese aircraft, particularly the JF-17 "Thunder" fighter (FC-1). This fighter, developed jointly by Pakistan and Beijing, has performed well in interception and air patrol missions against India. It is reported that the fighter participated in the aerial conflict between the two countries in 2019, resulting in the downing of an Indian MiG-21 fighter and the capture of its pilot.

According to Pakistani sources, in the recent conflict in April, the Pakistan Air Force used Chinese J-10C fighters equipped with long-range BL-15 air-to-air missiles to shoot down five Indian aircraft, including three French-made Rafale fighters, reflecting the application of Chinese air force technology in actual military combat.

In summary, it can be said that the Chinese Air Force is at a crossroads of ambition and experimentation. On one hand, China has a continuously developing industrial base and a large fleet of aircraft in terms of both quantity and quality, and it demonstrates its strength through exercises and exhibitions, striving to highlight its status as a rising superpower.

On the other hand, it still faces the dilemma of lacking direct combat experience. There is a gap between its promotional image and actual combat capabilities in the event of a large-scale conflict.

Sources: Al Jazeera + Electronic Website

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7553889325235175982/

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