**China Debuts New Stealth Jet, the J-35A, at Zhuhai Airshow**

China has unveiled its latest fifth-generation stealth fighter, the J-35A, at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, held in Zhuhai. Billed as a formidable counterpart to the American F-35, the new aircraft promises to enhance China's modern aerial warfare capabilities significantly.

The J-35A is intended to serve a pivotal role in Chinese airpower, similar to the "quarterback" role of the F-35, produced by US defense company Lockheed Martin. Despite the outward design similarities, including twin engines as opposed to the F-35’s single turbofan engine, the performance metrics of the J-35A remain to be fully detailed.

This Zhuhai airshow marks the first official appearance of the land-based J-35A, a project more than a decade in the making. The prototype version of this fighter jet first took flight in 2012 and has since undergone extensive redesign. According to Wang Yongqing of the Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute, part of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the J-35A integrates advanced stealth and intelligence features, positioning it as a crucial asset for information warfare and aerial collaboration.

Wang emphasized that the J-35A would function like a "basketball point guard," both excelling in combat situations and coordinating with other aircraft to form a "killing network" on the battlefield. Its mission scope includes engaging fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, intercepting enemy aircraft, defending against cruise missiles, performing ground attacks, and suppressing enemy air defenses.

Adding to the J-35A's capabilities, the airshow also showcased a new variant of the PL-15 air-to-air missile, specifically designed for China's stealth fighters to carry internally, preserving their low-observable attributes. Similar to American F-35 variants, the J-35A can carry up to six air-to-air missiles in its internal weapons bay.

In comparison, the US-made F-35 Lightning II is lauded for its sensors, stealth capabilities, and networked situational awareness. US military officials have referred to the F-35 as the "quarterback of the entire fight," capable of leveraging not just its combat prowess but enhancing the effectiveness of other platforms.

Stealth technology remains a significant focus for global military powers. The US has fielded the F-22 Raptor and F-35, and its allies worldwide employ the latter. China’s J-20, including a new two-seat variant revealed at the exhibition, complements the J-35 in the country’s stealth aircraft lineup. Russia also showcased its Su-57 at the event, adding to the emerging roster of globally engineered stealth jets.

China's rapid advancements in military aviation come against a backdrop of heightened tensions with the US. Recently, US senators Roger Wicker and Eric Schmitt expressed concerns that China is at the threshold of transformative aerial capabilities that could challenge US superiority. They warned that China might soon be able to target Western Pacific bases with advanced missile strikes and shield its airspace with sophisticated air-defense systems.

Washington has long been alert to Beijing's military aspirations, with the Pentagon labeling China as its "pacing challenge" and preparing for potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific. Central to these preparations is the sensitive issue of Taiwan, with US assessments indicating that China's military is to be ready for possible action against Taiwan by 2027.

The J-35A's debut signifies China's commitment to pushing the envelope in modern warfare technology, potentially altering the balance of power in the skies.