How China’s J-16 drives away foreign stealth jets, deterring them from approaching China’s coastal waters again

 

Li Chao Photo: CCTV news

"My canopy was only about 10 to 15 meters away from his…" In a documentary titled Invincible about the V-Day military parade, aired Thursday on China Central Television, a pilot from the special mission aircraft formation shared his experience of driving away two foreign stealth fighter jets while flying a domestically developed J-16 fighter jet, according to CCTV news.

Li Chao, a pilot with the PLA Air Force under the Western Theater Command, encountered two foreign fighter jets during a coastal training mission in 2024. "They headed straight toward our two aircraft. Their intention was very clear—it was a provocation.With our backs to the territorial sea line, we had to intercept them."

During the first encounter, Li locked onto the foreign fighter jet. Its wingman immediately broke away at high speed, while the other foreign fighter jet exited the combat zone and locked onto Li's jet. Seizing the opportunity, Li pulled up his aircraft and executed a barrel roll, flying inverted directly above the foreign jet.

"At that moment, my canopy was just 10 to 15 meters away from his. After completing this maneuver, I simultaneously locked onto both foreign fighter jets. In the end, both aircraft withdrew," Li said. 

That was the only encounter. Since then, this type of foreign fighter jet has not been spotted again near China's coastal waters, according to CCTV.

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After multiple rounds of intensive attack and defense, the foreign military aircraft were finally expelled. (Video: CCTV Military Channel) ...

Foreign media ‘stunned, surprised’ by aircraft carrier Fujian’s electromagnetic catapult-assisted aircraft launches

 China's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has achieved a breakthrough by hosting the first catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training for the J-15T heavy fighter jet, the J-35 stealth fighter jet, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft, the Chinese People's Liberation Ar the links into your  my (PLA) Navy announced on September 22, 2025. Photo: China Military Bugle

China's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has achieved a breakthrough by hosting the first catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training for the J-15T heavy fighter jet, the J-35 stealth fighter jet, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy announced on September 22, 2025. Photo: China Military Bugle

The latest breakthrough made by China's aircraft carrier Fujian has attracted wide attention from foreign media outlets, with one of them saying the move was "a stunning leap forward" of China's aircraft carrier capability, while another called the sudden release a surprise. This comes after the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Monday announced that the J-35 stealth fighter jet, J-15T heavy fighter jet and KJ-600 early warning aircraft had completed catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training on China's third aircraft carrier, the electromagnetic catapult-equipped Fujian.

Chinese experts said the new carrier, expected to enter service soon, will elevate the PLA Navy's capability to new heights.

The only other aircraft carrier in the world that has the EMALS (electromagnetic aircraft launch system) is the US Navy's newest carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, which was certified for flight deck operations using the EMALS system in the spring of 2022, CNN noted in its report on the Fujian's technological breakthrough on Tuesday.

The EMALS system allows carrier aircraft to take off with heavier weapon and fuel loads than those operating off China's two older carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, which feature ski-jump-type take-off ramps, enabling Fujian's aircraft to strike enemy targets from greater distances, CNN said. The report also quoted analysts as saying that the Fujian's ability to launch larger warplanes carrying higher munitions loads to farther distances will give the carrier a greater combat range than its predecessors in the Chinese fleet, providing the PLA Navy with blue-water capabilities.

Furthermore, The War Zone, a US-based defense specialist outlet, noted that not even the US Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford has ever launched a stealth fighter jet like the Fujian has done with the J-35. "[The Ford] has not launched an F-35C so far, making the J-35 the first stealth jet to achieve this feat. Based on earlier predictions, the F-35C may not do the same for some years," The War Zone wrote in a Monday article titled "China's Aircraft Carrier Capability Just Made A Stunning Leap Forward".

Naval News said on Tuesday that the "sudden release" by the Chinese military has taken the wider online commentariat somewhat by surprise. It noted that while the announcement was made on Monday, the flight operation-footage likely dates to earlier in 2025. Circumstantial evidence supporting this notion is again the particular condition of the ship at the time.

USNI News, the news website of the US Naval Institute, on Monday quoted analyst Ben Lewis as saying that the Fujian's test was a "significant milestone" for the Chinese military's carrier program.

"While it appears likely that the tests were done earlier this year, the choice to release the footage during Fujian's ninth sea trials suggests that Fujian will likely be ready for commissioning in the near future," Lewis said.

Chinese military affairs expert Zhang Junshe told the Global Times that with the Fujian's latest breakthrough, China is becoming a major aircraft carrier power, with both the carrier and its aircraft achieving world-class in key metrics.

This not only showed that the PLA has fully mastered and matured the application of complex electromagnetic catapults, but also reflected the continuous improvement in the capability and proficiency of naval personnel in operating high-tech equipment, Zhang Junshe said.

With the boost from electromagnetic catapults, the Fujian carrier formation can greatly expand its combat radius to cover as far as the second island chain in the Western Pacific, Zhang Junshe noted.

In response to a media request for comments on analyses claiming that the future commissioning of the aircraft carrier Fujian, the strike range of which will cover the second island chain, will surely change the strategic landscape in the Western Pacific region, and that some US analyses claimed that the Fujian will threaten US military deployment in the first island chain, Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said at a regular press conference on Thursday that China always adheres to a defensive national defense policy.

The development of China's weapons and equipment is solely for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world, the spokesperson said.

Thursday marks the 13th anniversary of the commissioning of China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, with September 25, 2012 becoming the start of an era when the PLA Navy started aircraft carrier operations.

Zhang Junshe, the expert, further noted that the experience and exploration gained from the Liaoning have provided significant reference and assistance for the operation, training, and deployment of subsequent aircraft carriers, leading to a substantial enhancement of China's integrated combat capabilities for aircraft carriers.

From having no aircraft carrier to commissioning its first one in 2012 to now entering an era with three, China's naval capabilities have advanced rapidly.

"The PLA Navy will also have greater confidence in safeguarding maritime rights and interests and carrying out missions on the far seas," said Han Wei, a professor at the PLA's Naval Aviation University, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The electromagnetic catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training on the Fujian will powerfully drive a generational leap in the integrated combat capabilities of the aircraft carrier formation, providing crucial support for conducting far seas combat missions and accelerating the navy's strategic transition from near seas defense to far seas defense, Han said.

Looking into the future, Zhang Junshe said in an interview with the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) that China's aircraft carrier program still has significant room for development. 

According to Zhang Junshe, future carriers will transition to utilizing catapult-assisted takeoff in terms of launch systems, while regarding propulsion, the direction is toward developing nuclear-powered carriers, CCTV reported.

Enhancing the PLA Navy's combat capabilities essentially translates to an increase in strength for safeguarding world peace, contributing to better defending the country, fulfilling international responsibilities and obligations, and maintaining global peace and stability, Zhang Junshe said.

When asked to confirm foreign media reports claiming that China's fourth aircraft carrier, also the first nuclear-powered one, is under construction at Dalian Shipyard, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang told the Global Times at a regular press conference on Thursday that he was not aware of the specific situation. He emphasized that China's aircraft carrier development is always conducted in accordance with national security needs and the progress of equipment technology. - Liu Xuanzun

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Fujian's sea trials outpace expectations, paving way for PLA Navy's three-carrier era: official media

Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian has completed multiple sea trials since its maiden sailing in May 2024 and announced the successful completion of a key electromagnetic catapult test in September 2025, putting the carrier's progress "well ahead of schedule," CCTV News reported on Saturday.

Gathering of 10 defense ministers in Qingdao highlights appeal of 'non-aligned SCO'

 

Defense ministers from all 10 member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) gather for a group photo ahead of the Defense Ministers' Meeting of the SCO member states in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province on June 26, 2025. Photo: cnsphoto

From Wednesday to Thursday, the meeting of Ministers of Defense of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States was held in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, drawing extensive international attention. This is because the meeting not only served as a "warm-up event" for the Tianjin SCO Summit this year, but also achieved the "full attendance" of all 10 defense ministers. Amid a complex and turbulent regional and international landscape, the SCO provided member states with a spacious roundtable - highlighting its value in building consensus, narrowing divisions and promoting solidarity.

With Belarus attending the defense ministers' meeting as an SCO member for the first time, Iran's defense minister visiting China just after the Iran-Israel ceasefire as well as India's defense minister visiting China for the first time in five years and "appearing together" with Pakistan's defense minister for the first time after the India-Pakistan conflict - the trust shown by these defense leaders in the SCO underscores the precious coordination and cohesion of this multilateral security organization amid global turbulence. Today's international environment is marked by an acute shortage of public security goods, a glaring security deficit and weakened authority of international organizations - making finding a calm table for dialogue not an easy task. However, the SCO has provided a valuable platform for member states to "seek common ground while resolving difference" and an occasion to forge multilateral consensus. It has not only effectively acted as a "glue" between member states, but has also become a "ballast stone" for regional peace.

Notably, the SCO defense ministers' meeting in Qingdao was held almost simultaneously with the NATO summit in The Hague. On Wednesday, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that unlike NATO, the SCO can "further the peace in this region." China's Defense Minister Dong Jun emphasized that at a time when the international situation is intertwined with changes and turmoil, it is particularly important for the SCO to play the role of a "stabilizing anchor."

While NATO seeks to prove its "value to exist" by searching for so-called "imaginary enemies" worldwide, the SCO's philosophy of "not being an alliance directed against other states and regions" and "adhering to the principle of openness" offers a new approach to global security governance. The "Shanghai Spirit" based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development has lit up the path toward the construction of an equitable and orderly multipolar world order. 

Now in its 25th year, the SCO has expanded from its original six founding members into a "big family" of 10 member states, two observer states, and 14 dialogue partners - stretching from the East European plains to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Rim, and encompassing nearly half of the world's population.

The SCO has become a mature platform for regional security cooperation, with continuously growing influence, cohesion and appeal. Over the past 25 years, this "giant ship of security" has been riding the waves against terrorism, separatism and extremism, making outstanding contributions to regional security. The economic and trade dividends and people-to-people exchanges emerging from security cooperation have also been remarkable, significantly bringing the peoples of the member states closer together in all aspects.

At last July's SCO Summit in Astana, President Xi Jinping proposed five suggestions to jointly build a more promising home of the SCO, sending out the "SCO voice" of solidarity and mutual trust as well as common prosperity and revitalization. As the rotating chair of the SCO for 2024-2025, China remains a pillar of the organization. It champions the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and has put forward a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. It opposes the outdated "beggar-thy-neighbor" strategies and zero-sum mindset, and reaffirms that the security concerns of every nation - big or small - deserve respect. These principles have resonated both within the SCO and globally. From joint counterterrorism drills to intelligence sharing, from economic cooperation to cultural exchanges, the SCO addresses challenges through multilevel collaboration, offering "SCO solutions" to global security issues. It exemplifies the right way for different civilizations to engage with each other, and is helping forge a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation. 

From enhancing strategic communication to advancing pragmatic cooperation, the SCO defense ministers' meeting in Qingdao showcased the organization's growth and commitments in the past 25 years. Facts have proven that the SCO is a vital force in maintaining regional peace and stability, and an important platform for building a community with a shared future for mankind. This year, within the SCO framework, China will host more than 100 meetings and events - polishing the "SCO Spirit" with "Chinese actions," and further deepening SCO practical cooperation in various areas. The world looks forward to the SCO paving a new security path for the future of a multipolar world and economic globalization.  - Global Times editorial

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US will only harm itself: Chinese defense ministry slams US defense chief for hyping ‘China threat’ at Shangri-La Dialogue

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Chinese expert rips into US Shangri-La speech, debunks 'China Threat' point by point

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense Photo: Ministry of National Defense

In response to the negative comments by US defense secretary on China at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, which exaggerated the "China threat" narrative, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, stated on Sunday that the US is accustomed to creating disputes, inciting confrontation, and pursuing selfish interests at the Shangri-La Dialogue. The remarks made by the US defense secretary were filled with deeply ingrained hegemonic logic, bullying behavior, and Cold War mentality. They seriously provoke China's sovereignty and interests, distort China's policy positions, and grossly disregard the joint efforts of regional countries to maintain prosperity and stability, Zhang said. This stance of the US is in serious deviation from the common aspiration of countries around the world for peace and development. We express strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this, Zhang said, according to a statement released on the WeChat account of China's Ministry of National Defense on Sunday.

Zhang stated that the US's actions are evident to the international community. Driven by selfish interests, the US has initiated tariff and trade wars, imposing exorbitant levies globally. It has formed exclusionary cliques and engaged in bloc confrontations, raising deep concerns among various countries, said Zhang. It has strengthened military deployments in the Asia-Pacific region, grossly intervened in the internal affairs of other countries, and incited tensions. The facts repeatedly prove that the US is going against the tide of the times and acting unilaterally, which will only backfire on the US itself, Zhang said.

The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affairs, and the US has no right to make irresponsible remarks or to attempt using this as a bargaining chip to contain China. The Chinese People's Liberation Army will resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will firmly crush any "Taiwan independence" separatist schemes and any external interference. Our determination is unwavering, and our capabilities and means are strong and reliable, said Zhang.

The spokesperson noted that the South China Sea is internationally recognized as one of the busiest and safest shipping routes. He stated that China will persist in resolving differences through dialogue and consultation with relevant countries, uphold territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with the law, and collaborate with regional countries to build a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation. The US is bent on sowing chaos in the South China Sea by forming alliances and stirring up trouble, which poses the greatest threat to regional peace and stability, Zhang said.

China has always been a guardian and promoter of peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region. The Chinese military will work together with regional countries to jointly oppose hegemonism that harms the Asia-Pacific, to oppose the introduction of geopolitical conflicts into the Asia-Pacific, and resist any country or force creating chaos. Zhang affirmed that China will actively implement the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and the "three global initiatives," working together to maintain long-term peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.- Global Times

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The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025): China displays J-10CE, FC-31 fighters at international defense expo, Malaysia to boost maritime security

 

Model of a J-10CE fighter jet is on display at the booth of China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation at the 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025) held in Langkawi, Malaysia on May 20, 2025. Photo: Screenshot from the military channel of China Central Television

China is displaying a selection of its top aviation products including the J-10CE and FC-31 fighter jets at an international defense expo that kicked off on Tuesday in Malaysia, with a Chinese expert saying that Chinese military aircraft and their associated systems could become good choices for potential international buyers.

The 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025) kicked off in Langkawi, Malaysia on Tuesday, with defense and associated companies from around the globe eyeing a higher profile in Asia's defense sector, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday.

China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) brought models of the J-10CE fighter jet and the FC-31 fighter jet to the expo, the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Tuesday.

Many visitors gathered at the CATIC booth to see these two models, according to the CCTV report.

Recently, China's made-for-export J-10CE fighter jet has been under the spotlight, with major media outlets having focused on the news that the J-10CE has recently achieved its first real combat success. 

Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that the J-10CE is a combat-proven warplane. With advanced avionics and radar systems plus the PL-15E missile, the aircraft has strong beyond-visual-range combat capabilities.

Displaying a model of the J-10CE at the LIMA 2025 showed China's willingness to promote the export of the aircraft. With the J-10CE being a top-class fighter jet, many countries could consider procuring to modernize their warplane fleet, Fu said.

Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times that the J-10 series fighter jet has also been widely deployed by the Chinese military, which adds to the aircraft's reliability. 

Besides the fourth-generation fighter jet J-10, China is also offering the fifth-generation fighter jet FC-31. It is more and more likely that Chinese defense products will gain a greater share in the international market in the future, Wang said.

In addition to the J-10CE and the FC-31 fighter jets, the Chinese booth also displayed models of the Y-20 strategic transport aircraft, the Y-9 tactical transport aircraft, the Z-10 attack helicopter and the Z-9 multirole helicopter, the CCTV report showed.
 
Fu said that China is exhibiting complete systems of aviation equipment, including different genres of aircraft of different sizes and purposes. They can meet the different demands of potential international buyers, who can choose from the Chinese products based on their needs.

It also showed that China's aviation industry is developing in all directions, offering all types of products, Fu said.

The LIMA 2025 is scheduled to last until Saturday. Organized biennially, the exhibition features 860 exhibitors representing various sectors in maritime and aerospace. They will be joined by 140 delegates from 46 countries and regions, including heads of military, enforcement agencies and other government officials, according to the organizer, Xinhua reported.

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