China's latest fighter jets, drones display war-making capability
GUANGZHOU, China -- China showed off cutting-edge aircraft ranging from next-generation fighter jets to the latest drones at its biggest air show, shining the spotlight on the country's high-end military technology amid mounting tensions with Washington.
China watchers and military experts were particularly focused on this year's China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as AirShow China, as it was the first in three years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Below are some of the highlights from the event, which took place in Zhuhai in the southern province of Guangdong over late September and early October.
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Drones can "integrate surveillance, assault and defense and enhance comprehensive operational capacities," a spokesman for the PLAAF said at a news conference. The remark suggested advances in China's research and development in the field of electronic warfare using electromagnetic technology, a new area of modern combat. That means the country could potentially block a radar system Japan is planning for aircraft such as the F-35 stealth fighter.
Even as China touts the prowess of its military technology, many details are still sketchy and the true extent of its progress remains unclear. But, while it still lags behind the U.S., it is clear China's military buildup could drastically alter the way wars are fought.
"China is trying to integrate drones and AI in a bid to evolve toward UAVs including lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS)," Ohara warned. "But the U.S. and other advanced nations are reluctant to deploy autonomous UAVs as they are concerned about the ethical problems of LAWS. Under the circumstances, China is rapidly narrowing technological gaps in unmanned aircraft."
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