Chinese aircraft carriers will be equipped with both the next-gen J-15 and J-35 fighter jets, a senior designer said Tuesday at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Zhuhai Airshow.
Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), Sun Cong, chief designer of the J-15 fighter jets, highlighted the complementary roles of the two aircraft in a carrier's mission system.
Sun stressed its long development journey dating back to 2004, as part of the air force's move towards "information-centric" warfare.
"When it comes to the development of 'one platform, multiple variants', it's a matter of design philosophy. From the perspective of fighter jets, we've evolved from earlier generations that prioritized altitude and speed to third-generation fighters focused on energy maneuverability. Now, we've entered an era centered on information integration. In other words, a fighter is no longer merely a weapons platform; it's a critical information node. With the nation investing heavily in these projects, we've naturally adapted the design for multi-service use, adopting a systematic, series-based approach. The J-35's development, which started as far back as 2004, is a testament to this long-term effort, and unveiled to the public now," he said.
Furthermore, Sun told the media that non-stealth aircraft like the J-15 are suitable for missions after securing air superiority, while stealth fighters such as the J-35 are pivotal in achieving air dominance.
"The purpose of showcasing these aircraft is to highlight their coordinated roles on carriers. The J-15 and J-35 are designed to complement each other's capabilities. Typically, once air superiority is achieved, non-stealth aircraft can be widely deployed. However, during the initial phase of securing air superiority, high-performance stealth jets such as the J-35 are essential. This reflects a systematic approach to the development of carrier-based aviation," Sun said.
This year's event is running from Tuesday to Sunday.
Chinese aircraft carrier to be equipped with J-15, J-35: designer
Chinese aircraft carrier to be equipped with J-15, J-35: designer
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
