China’s armed forces have already developed a fourth--generation diesel-electric submarine, and their first aircraft carrier, the Soviet-made Varyag, will finally be ready at the end of the year, when it is due to take part in exercises.
Now we have caught a glimpse of a photo, leaked a few days ago, of what appears to be the prototype of China’s first fifth-generation — meaning it is capable of evading radar even when carrying weapons — stealth fighter plane, the J-20. The photo of the fighter during its first runway taxiing tests in southwest China has provoked much speculation and debate both in Taiwan and abroad, with some doubts being expressed over whether it is what it seems.
