Should we be worried about China’s air force upgrades?

During the Cold War, the term “arms race” regularly appeared on national news and across the front pages of magazines and newspapers, framing the race for firepower between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. While the term is not used as often today, the “arms race” between America and its near-peer adversaries, specifically China and Russia, remains a reality.

This is especially true regarding China and its efforts to build an advantage for any potential conflict. At the end of 2024, the People’s Republic of China allowed images to be published on social media showing what appeared to be two new sixth-generation aircraft. The unveiling coincided with the birthday of Mao Zedong, the founder and longtime leader of the PRC.