ISLAMABAD: Recent Chinese state media reports have claimed significantadvancements in stealth technology, asserting that a J-20 fighter jetapproached Taiwan’s southern coastline undetected during late 2025 militarydrills. These claims, amplified by footage showing the aircraft nearPingtung region, suggest a growing capability to penetrate Taiwanese airdefenses. Taiwan’s authorities have dismissed such assertions as part ofbroader cognitive warfare tactics aimed at eroding public confidence.
The incidents follow a pattern of escalating military activities aroundTaiwan. In December 2025, the People’s Liberation Army conducted “JusticeMission 2025” exercises, involving over 130 aircraft, including J-20stealth fighters. Chinese outlets highlighted the J-20’s proximity to keyTaiwanese sites without triggering alerts, raising questions about theeffectiveness of island’s radar systems against fifth-generation aircraft.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense countered these narrativesvigorously. Officials stated that no stealth aircraft entered restrictedairspace and attributed released videos to manipulation or pre-existingimagery. Analysts note that while the J-20 possesses low-observablefeatures, its operational stealth in contested environments remains debatedamong international experts.
Parallel claims emerged regarding unmanned aerial vehicles. Chinese mediasuggested stealth drones operated mere kilometers from Kaohsiung port, oneof Taiwan’s major southern harbors. However, Taiwanese officials reporteddetecting drone activity but confirmed none breached the 24-nautical-milecontiguous zone, labeling the proximity assertions as exaggerateddisinformation.
Data from Taiwan’s defense reports indicate a surge in PLA incursions. In2025 alone, over 3,000 sorties violated Taiwan’s Air Defense IdentificationZone, with drones featuring prominently in recent months. The TB-001 andsimilar platforms were tracked during exercises, yet no evidence supportsclaims of undetected entries within 5 kilometers of coastal areas.
Strategic implications are profound for regional security. The J-20,equipped with advanced sensors and internal weapons bays, representsChina’s push toward air superiority. Estimates suggest over 200 units inservice by early 2026, enabling persistent patrols. Undetected operations,if verified, could compress response times for Taiwanese forces reliant onPatriot systems and F-16 fleets.
Taiwan has responded by enhancing surveillance networks and procuringadvanced early-warning assets. Cooperation with international partnersfocuses on countering low-observable threats through multi-domainintegration, including space-based and airborne radars capable of detectingsubtle signatures.
Chinese narratives emphasize technological parity with Western stealthplatforms. State-affiliated commentators argue that meter-wave radars andelectronic warfare suites mitigate advantages held by aircraft like theF-35. Yet independent assessments highlight gaps in sensor fusion andsustained operational experience for PLA assets.
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The psychological dimension cannot be understated. Repeated claims ofundetected penetrations aim to deter Taiwan’s leadership and influencepublic perception ahead of potential contingencies. Historical precedents,such as post-2022 drill intensifications, show a blend of militarysignaling and information operations.
Broader geopolitical context involves United States commitments under theTaiwan Relations Act. Recent arms packages include upgrades to existingdefenses, underscoring concerns over PLA modernization. Observers warn thatunchecked escalation risks miscalculation in the Taiwan Strait.
In conclusion, while Chinese claims portray dominance in stealth warfare,Taiwanese rebuttals and expert skepticism suggest a more nuanced reality.The incidents underscore ongoing tensions, with both sides leveragingnarratives to shape strategic deterrence in an increasingly contesteddomain.
Source:https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3338548/did-pla-stealth-fighter-approach-key-taiwan-airbase-new-video-sparks-debate
Tags: China, Taiwan, J-20, PLA, Kaohsiung, Stealth Drone, Pingtung
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