China has announced that it successfully flew a stealth fighter jet between Japan and South Korea without detection, a provocative development that could shift the regional balance of power.
According to China Central Television (CCTV), the state-run broadcaster, a Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter from the elite First Fighter Brigade of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) flew through the Tsushima Strait—one of the most heavily monitored air corridors in East Asia—without being tracked by radar systems operated by South Korea, Japan, or the United States.
This corridor is protected by a multilayered defense network, including the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, Japanese air defense radar, and South Korea’s Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ). The successful penetration by the J-20, if confirmed, underscores the aircraft’s stealth capabilities and China's growing ability to project power across sensitive regional airspace.
The Chengdu J-20, dubbed the "Mighty Dragon," is China’s first operational fifth-generation stealth fighter. Designed to rival American aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, the J-20 entered service in 2017 and is central to Beijing’s efforts to modernize its military.
The Tsushima Strait flight is likely intended to demonstrate China's strategic reach and highlight vulnerabilities in U.S.-led regional defense systems. The move comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, exacerbated since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office in January and shifted American defense posture to prioritize countering China in the Indo-Pacific.
The Trump administration has already begun deploying long-range missile systems to the region and has significantly increased military assistance to Taiwan, including deliveries of HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems). These developments have raised the stakes in the Taiwan Strait and placed added pressure on U.S. allies.
Last month, reports surfaced that the U.S. was pressing Japan and Australia for clear commitments on their roles in the event of a military conflict with China over Taiwan. Both Tokyo and Canberra were reportedly unsettled by the request, as it appeared to clash with Washington’s longstanding policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding Taiwan’s defense.