Breaking News
Zhuhai 2024: China Challenges US and Asserts Its Presence in Indo-Pacific as Trump Returns.
As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, the rivalry between China and the United States intensifies. Against this backdrop, the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow stands as a significant display of power by Beijing, aiming not only to rival American military capabilities but also to reshape the security landscape of the Indo-Pacific. This showcase of China’s advanced military technology underscores its ambitions: to compete with the U.S. as a military power and provide a strategic alternative for countries seeking to reduce dependence on Western technologies.
Despite the F-35’s advanced combat software and operational experience, China asserts that the J-35A, adaptable for both land and carrier deployment, could surpass it in direct combat (Picture source: Weibo)
A highlight of the exhibition, the newly unveiled J-35A stealth fighter symbolizes China's intent to directly challenge the American F-35. Powered by two WS-19 engines generating a combined thrust of 21 tons, the J-35A features advanced stealth capabilities and a gallium nitride phased-array radar with a detection range exceeding 200 km, surpassing that of the F-35. Despite the operational experience and sophisticated combat software that have given the F-35 a strategic edge, China claims the J-35A—designed for deployment on land and aircraft carriers—could outperform its American counterpart in a direct encounter. This public flight demonstration of the J-35A, viewed by millions of Chinese citizens, illustrates China’s growing military prowess and its determination to compete with American air power.
Beyond the J-35A, the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system stands out as another strategic asset. Engineered to intercept ballistic and hypersonic missiles, the HQ-19 extends China’s regional defense capabilities, potentially altering the Indo-Pacific power balance. For countries like India, which partially relies on ballistic missiles for defense, the HQ-19—with its vertical launch capabilities and broad coverage—poses a challenge, potentially rivaling Russian systems like the S-400. The missile aligns with China’s strategy to establish a regional "defense shield" capable of curbing the military ambitions of neighboring states.
On the maritime front, China’s intention to expand its presence is equally clear. The upgraded J-15T carrier-based fighter, utilizing electromagnetic catapults similar to those of the U.S. Navy, enhances China’s reach by supporting heavier payloads and extended range. Designed for deployment on new Chinese aircraft carriers, the J-15T reinforces Beijing’s strategic stance in areas like the South China Sea. This naval capability is viewed as a potential threat by countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines, underscoring China’s expanding military reach in a region marked by territorial disputes.
The HQ-19, with its vertical launch capabilities and broad coverage, poses a challenge, potentially rivaling Russian systems like the S-400 (Picture source: Weibo)
In the drone category, the 10-ton "Jiutian" armed reconnaissance drone represents a notable advance in China’s unmanned combat capabilities. Equipped with eight mounting points for anti-ship and cruise missiles, the Jiutian can also deploy swarms of smaller drones. This capability—rare in the field of military drones—gives China both offensive and defensive advantages, with the potential to threaten U.S. or Taiwanese bases. Meanwhile, the autonomous vessel “Orca,” with a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles without human intervention, underscores China’s increasingly autonomous fleet and its ability to project naval power.
Beyond the exhibition of these advanced technologies, the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow reflects China’s aspiration to position itself as a credible alternative to the U.S. for countries aiming to diversify their military supplies. By inviting delegations from several “Global South” countries, Beijing seeks to promote its arms exports and attract clients who may be disillusioned with Western sanctions and restrictions. The presence of high-ranking Russian officials, including Security Council Chief Sergei Shoigu, highlights the strengthening alliance between Moscow and Beijing. As Russia faces international isolation due to sanctions, China is emerging as a viable industrial and military partner, filling the void left by Russian suppliers impacted by the conflict in Ukraine.
Thus, the Zhuhai Airshow transcends a mere display of technology to position itself as a strategic event. China is presenting itself as a growing military power rivaling the U.S., sending a clear message to Indo-Pacific nations: it is ready to redefine the rules of regional security.