China shows off jets once shrouded in secrecy in clear display of military might

There were notable gasps from the crowd and a scramble to grab cameras when the first J-20 jets roared across the sky.

Four cutting-edge stealth fighter jets soared in perfect unison, the sound of the engines deafening.

It was a display designed to grab attention. These jets, previously shrouded in secrecy, have now been displayed for the Chinese public and the world to see.

They were arguably the headliner at China’s National Airshow hosted in Zhuhai in southern China this week.

The event is a celebration of all things aviation, from the more basic to the battle ready.

As well as exhibitors from across the industry, there was a display from China’s aerobatics team, demonstrations of high-tech drones and a flyby of the country’s first homegrown passenger jet.

It was a highly militarised event at a time when the world increasingly fears what this military could do.

In the crowds was Yue Gang, a retired colonel who served for more than 20 years in the Chinese armed forces.

He…