In a candid assessment, a senior US Air Force official challenges the prevailing fears surrounding China’s J-20 fighter jet against American fighters, shedding new light on the Asia-Pacific power debate.

In a recent statement at the 2023 Air & Space Forces Association’s annual symposium, General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, the head of Pacific Air Forces, provided a unique and insightful perspective on the Chinese J-20 stealth fighter jet.

Amid concerns about the burgeoning capabilities of the Chinese Air Force and the rapid production of the J-20, General Wilsbach shared his assessment that the J-20 is not a “dominating aircraft” compared to its American counterparts, the F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightnings.

Assessing the J-20 Threat

The J-20 stealth aircraft, China’s sole operational fifth-generation fighter, has long been perceived as a substantial threat to the United States and its allies. Reports from Chinese state media outlets have indicated increased production capacity, intensifying concerns.