Xi ready to equip aircraft carriers with J-35 fighters? China's biggest hint of Taiwan invasion?

China is reportedly moving closer to deploying its next-generation Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter across its expanding aircraft carrier fleet, raising fresh concerns in Washington and Taipei over Beijing’s growing naval airpower. Emerging reports and satellite imagery suggest China may be modifying older carriers like the Liaoning and Shandong to support operations involving the J-35, potentially allowing the stealth jet to operate beyond the country’s newest carrier, the Fujian. Analysts say such a move would significantly strengthen China’s carrier strike capabilities and improve long-range combat operations in the Pacific.