ZHUHAI, China -- China's newest stealth fighter jet debuted at an air show here Tuesday, as the country put its military technologies on display.
The J-31, which bears resemblances to the latest American F-35 stealth fighter, was showcased on the opening day of the biennial China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China. Although still under development, China apparently has its sights set on beginning mass production within five years.
Air forces, defense contractors and aircraft manufacturers from various nations displayed their planes and other equipment at the show. Roughly 700 companies from 41 countries participated this year.
China has been increasingly exerting its influence in the East China Sea and South China Sea. The J-31 is expected to operate from aircraft carriers. Once the fighters are deployed aboard carriers, they will enable the requirements of most military operations to be met, reported a local newspaper.
China also showed off its first domestic passenger jet, the ARJ21, at the event. The regional jet uses many foreign technologies and parts. If all goes according to plan, the plane is expected to enter service in China as early as this year.