New China stealth fighter to patrol disputed waters

China’s plan to use a new stealth warplane for patrols over the hotly-disputed South China Sea is “hugely significant”, says one expert.

Last Friday the country’s air force confirmed its J-20 stealth fighter was ready for combat after it entered military service in 2017.

And on Monday, the South China Morning Post reported the People’s Liberation Army Air Force plans to deploy the J-20 and its Russian-built Su-35 jets for patrols over the South China Sea.

READ MORE: China accused of building island fortresses

READ MORE: New US defence blueprint points to China focus

READ MORE: Admiral is new US envoy to Australia

“It’s hugely significant for the region. It shows China is trying to project and regularise its force deployment,” said China military expert Adam Ni, of the Australian National University.

“Have more air patrols is a way China can assert power and its territorial claims,” he added.

The superpower is involved in long-running territorial disputes with regional neighbours including Japan and Philippines over the waters.

The US, supported by Australia, has conducted freedom of navigation naval operations in the area.

And yesterday the British government announced a Royal Navy warship would sail through the disputed waters to assert freedom of navigation rights.

Chinese military experts have lauded the J-20, dubbed the Black Eagle, as a major leap in its air combat capability.

It has been designed with radar-evading stealth technology and an increased flying range that could give it the potential to reach US naval forces in the Pacific.

But Ni believes the J-20 has some way to go before it reaches its full potential.

“When fully developed it will be one of the region’s most advanced fighters.

“However, the exact operational status and readiness of the J-20 remains unclear.

“It can take years from initial deployment to achieve full operational status.”