As the Chinese military builds its capacity and capability with large investments, the United States should take care to preserve its technological edge, said Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander. “I think we’re a bit naïve looking at them in the short term,” said North during Wednesday’s four-star forum at AFA’s Air & Space Conference just outside of Washington, D.C. The Chinese military is increasing the quality and quantity of its forces and closing the technological gap with nations like the United States. “That’s why we have to keep a technological edge, because we do not have a quantity edge that we had years ago,” said North.
What Are Chinese Media Outlets Saying About the F-47?
April 14, 2026
Chinese media outlets are attempting to dismiss the U.S. Air Force’s planned sixth-generation fighter jet, the F-47, by criticizing the cost, downplaying the technology, and reporting that the U.S. won’t be able to effectively produce the air dominance platform.