Lara Trump says she’s removing herself from consideration to be Florida senator
By Associated Press
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of US president-elect Donald Trump, said on Saturday that she was removing herself from consideration to be a Florida senator – ending speculation that she could replace Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who has been tapped to be the incoming administration’s secretary of state.
“After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate,” Lara Trump posted on X.
Instead, she promised a “big announcement to share in January.”
The announcement comes weeks after Trump announced that she was stepping down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee, a move which raised questions about whether she might be vying for a Senate seat.
If Rubio is confirmed, his replacement – who would be chosen by Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis – would serve for two years until the next regularly scheduled election in 2026.
Elected as RNC co-chair in March, Trump was a key player in the Republican Party retaking the White House and control of the Senate, while maintaining a narrow House majority.
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By Associated Press
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of US president-elect Donald Trump, said on Saturday that she was removing herself from consideration to be a Florida senator – ending speculation that she could replace Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who has been tapped to be the incoming administration’s secretary of state.
“After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate,” Lara Trump posted on X.
Instead, she promised a “big announcement to share in January.”
The announcement comes weeks after Trump announced that she was stepping down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee, a move which raised questions about whether she might be vying for a Senate seat.
If Rubio is confirmed, his replacement – who would be chosen by Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis – would serve for two years until the next regularly scheduled election in 2026.
Elected as RNC co-chair in March, Trump was a key player in the Republican Party retaking the White House and control of the Senate, while maintaining a narrow House majority.
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Scientists find key nutrient missing in China-grown durian
By Holly Chik
Durians grown in China could be missing or extremely low in some key nutrients, according to a study into the nutritional profile of the tropical fruit taking root in Hainan.
In the first study of its kind, scientists found that, compared with durians grown in Southeast Asia, the Chinese-grown fruit displayed a surprisingly different nutritional profile.
For example, Monthong, or golden pillow, durian grown in China did not contain the antioxidant quercetin at all, while its Thai counterpart contained huge amounts, researchers at the Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences found.
In fact, the only Hainan durian variety that was found to have quercetin was the long-stemmed Kan Yao, but it was at a level 520 times lower than the same variety grown overseas and 540,000 times lower than the levels in the Thai Monthong.
As for gallic acid, a compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, the team said it was not detected in Kan Yao, a result that was consistent with previous studies. But its levels in Monthong were “significantly lower than the levels previously reported”.
A 2008 study of Thai durians reported 2,072 micrograms of gallic acid per 100 grams in Monthong, 906 times higher than the 22.85 nanograms per gram of the Chinese-grown fruit.
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By Holly Chik
Durians grown in China could be missing or extremely low in some key nutrients, according to a study into the nutritional profile of the tropical fruit taking root in Hainan.
In the first study of its kind, scientists found that, compared with durians grown in Southeast Asia, the Chinese-grown fruit displayed a surprisingly different nutritional profile.
For example, Monthong, or golden pillow, durian grown in China did not contain the antioxidant quercetin at all, while its Thai counterpart contained huge amounts, researchers at the Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences found.
In fact, the only Hainan durian variety that was found to have quercetin was the long-stemmed Kan Yao, but it was at a level 520 times lower than the same variety grown overseas and 540,000 times lower than the levels in the Thai Monthong.
As for gallic acid, a compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, the team said it was not detected in Kan Yao, a result that was consistent with previous studies. But its levels in Monthong were “significantly lower than the levels previously reported”.
A 2008 study of Thai durians reported 2,072 micrograms of gallic acid per 100 grams in Monthong, 906 times higher than the 22.85 nanograms per gram of the Chinese-grown fruit.
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Almost 1 in 2 Koreans of child-bearing age are OK with not having a family, survey shows
By The Korea Times
By Lee Hae-rin
Nearly half of Korean adults of child-bearing age believe it is acceptable to go through life without having children, according to a new report.
The findings revealed that the preference for a childless lifestyle was more prevalent among women, particularly those in their twenties, and non-regular workers with unstable employment.
The report was presented at the Population Forum held in Seoul on December 20, organised by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA). The survey, conducted by KIHASA, gathered responses from 4,000 men and women aged 19 to 79 nationwide between November 3 and December 6.
The results showed that more than half, or 52.6 per cent of the respondents, said they wouldn’t mind not having children, while only 30.2 per cent said having children is better than having none; and 10.3 per cent said they must have one.
The number of women who answered they wouldn’t mind living without children was 63.5 per cent, higher than that of men’s 41.2 per cent.
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By The Korea Times
By Lee Hae-rin
Nearly half of Korean adults of child-bearing age believe it is acceptable to go through life without having children, according to a new report.
The findings revealed that the preference for a childless lifestyle was more prevalent among women, particularly those in their twenties, and non-regular workers with unstable employment.
The report was presented at the Population Forum held in Seoul on December 20, organised by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA). The survey, conducted by KIHASA, gathered responses from 4,000 men and women aged 19 to 79 nationwide between November 3 and December 6.
The results showed that more than half, or 52.6 per cent of the respondents, said they wouldn’t mind not having children, while only 30.2 per cent said having children is better than having none; and 10.3 per cent said they must have one.
The number of women who answered they wouldn’t mind living without children was 63.5 per cent, higher than that of men’s 41.2 per cent.
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Reform the only answer to securing Hong Kong’s prosperous future
By Ningrong Liu
Reform has become the buzzword in Hong Kong, a term that has been associated with China for the past four decades. With Hong Kong’s economy sputtering and US president-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House, rapid change is badly needed. Where can Hong Kong find its new uniqueness to navigate through the turmoil?
Hong Kong must put its past successes behind it and focus on the future while emphasising structural changes. While this long-term development strategy is crucial for the city, it will take time to articulate and implement. Therefore, we need to address specific issues that were once considered impossible but now require urgent attention.
First, Hong Kong has long been known for its adherence to laissez-faire capitalism, which emphasises minimal government intervention in economic affairs. The time has come to undertake radical changes to find the right balance between government intervention and free-market principles. This will be a key challenge for policymakers in Hong Kong as the city navigates complex geopolitical changes.
There has been a noticeable shift in the approach to government intervention on economic issues in the United States, where neoliberal capitalism prevailed for decades. In recent years, some have argued for greater government involvement in industrial policy, strategic planning and targeted investments in key sectors to promote competitiveness.
The US Chips and Science Act serves as a good example of this shift. Through the Chips Act, the US government is providing financial support to semiconductor manufacturers to build new fabrication facilities and invest in research and development. This is seen as crucial for ensuring a stable and secure semiconductor supply chain, promoting technological leadership and enhancing national security.
In today’s Hong Kong, consolidating and enhancing the city’s traditional status as an international financial, shipping and trading hub with new thinking and a fresh approach is important. Developing the city as a regional education and hi-tech hub requires a combination of forward-looking initiatives and top-down government intervention.
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By Ningrong Liu
Reform has become the buzzword in Hong Kong, a term that has been associated with China for the past four decades. With Hong Kong’s economy sputtering and US president-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House, rapid change is badly needed. Where can Hong Kong find its new uniqueness to navigate through the turmoil?
Hong Kong must put its past successes behind it and focus on the future while emphasising structural changes. While this long-term development strategy is crucial for the city, it will take time to articulate and implement. Therefore, we need to address specific issues that were once considered impossible but now require urgent attention.
First, Hong Kong has long been known for its adherence to laissez-faire capitalism, which emphasises minimal government intervention in economic affairs. The time has come to undertake radical changes to find the right balance between government intervention and free-market principles. This will be a key challenge for policymakers in Hong Kong as the city navigates complex geopolitical changes.
There has been a noticeable shift in the approach to government intervention on economic issues in the United States, where neoliberal capitalism prevailed for decades. In recent years, some have argued for greater government involvement in industrial policy, strategic planning and targeted investments in key sectors to promote competitiveness.
The US Chips and Science Act serves as a good example of this shift. Through the Chips Act, the US government is providing financial support to semiconductor manufacturers to build new fabrication facilities and invest in research and development. This is seen as crucial for ensuring a stable and secure semiconductor supply chain, promoting technological leadership and enhancing national security.
In today’s Hong Kong, consolidating and enhancing the city’s traditional status as an international financial, shipping and trading hub with new thinking and a fresh approach is important. Developing the city as a regional education and hi-tech hub requires a combination of forward-looking initiatives and top-down government intervention.
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Beijing takes aim at ‘deceptive’ Pentagon report on Chinese military
By Hayley Wong
Beijing hit back on Saturday at a US Defence Department report on the Chinese military, labelling the report deceptive and calling the United States the “largest threat to global security”.
Chinese defence ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said China expressed “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” to the annual report, which was released on Wednesday.
The report “misinterpreted China’s defence policy ... spread rumours, slandered the Chinese military, and exaggerated the ‘China military threat’,” Zhang said in a ministry statement.
The China Military Power Report has been released each year for the past two decades and is the Pentagon’s most comprehensive unclassified report on China’s defences.
The 182-page document relates mostly to developments in China up to December last year but does cover some major events in 2024, including a new section on corruption investigations of defence officials.
It also highlighted an expansion in quantity and type of weapons in China’s nuclear arsenal, saying the number of nuclear warheads had grown by about 20 per cent to 600 in the year to mid-2024.
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By Hayley Wong
Beijing hit back on Saturday at a US Defence Department report on the Chinese military, labelling the report deceptive and calling the United States the “largest threat to global security”.
Chinese defence ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said China expressed “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” to the annual report, which was released on Wednesday.
The report “misinterpreted China’s defence policy ... spread rumours, slandered the Chinese military, and exaggerated the ‘China military threat’,” Zhang said in a ministry statement.
The China Military Power Report has been released each year for the past two decades and is the Pentagon’s most comprehensive unclassified report on China’s defences.
The 182-page document relates mostly to developments in China up to December last year but does cover some major events in 2024, including a new section on corruption investigations of defence officials.
It also highlighted an expansion in quantity and type of weapons in China’s nuclear arsenal, saying the number of nuclear warheads had grown by about 20 per cent to 600 in the year to mid-2024.
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A Hong Kong AI model proves more accurate than doctors in diagnosing eye conditions
By Xinmei Shen
Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) said they have developed a foundational artificial intelligence (AI) model that could help address ophthalmic clinical tasks including disease screening and diagnosis, as generative AI plays a greater role in medical research.
VisionFM is a new foundational model that is effective in diagnosing and predicting multiple ophthalmic diseases, which could lead to the adoption of more clinical applications with additional data, they said in a study published last month in the NEJM AI journal.
The model demonstrated performance that is comparable to or better than intermediate-level ophthalmologists in diagnosing 12 ocular diseases, according to the paper. It also outperformed the ophthalmic field’s first foundational model, RETFound, in predicting glaucoma progression, the researchers added.
The development of VisionFM comes as more medical researchers and professionals explore how generative AI can aid the healthcare industry.
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a Hong Kong-based research centre under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the country’s national research institute, earlier this year launched an AI model named CARES Copilot, with the aim of helping surgeons in tasks including surgical planning and generating diagnostic reports.
CAIR’s model was based on Meta Platforms’ Llama 2 open source large language model, and it has been used by hospitals including the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou and the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong, the centre said last month.
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By Xinmei Shen
Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) said they have developed a foundational artificial intelligence (AI) model that could help address ophthalmic clinical tasks including disease screening and diagnosis, as generative AI plays a greater role in medical research.
VisionFM is a new foundational model that is effective in diagnosing and predicting multiple ophthalmic diseases, which could lead to the adoption of more clinical applications with additional data, they said in a study published last month in the NEJM AI journal.
The model demonstrated performance that is comparable to or better than intermediate-level ophthalmologists in diagnosing 12 ocular diseases, according to the paper. It also outperformed the ophthalmic field’s first foundational model, RETFound, in predicting glaucoma progression, the researchers added.
The development of VisionFM comes as more medical researchers and professionals explore how generative AI can aid the healthcare industry.
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a Hong Kong-based research centre under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the country’s national research institute, earlier this year launched an AI model named CARES Copilot, with the aim of helping surgeons in tasks including surgical planning and generating diagnostic reports.
CAIR’s model was based on Meta Platforms’ Llama 2 open source large language model, and it has been used by hospitals including the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou and the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong, the centre said last month.
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Fossil findings set Hong Kong abuzz, but talk of ‘dinosaur tourism’ leaves experts cold
By Vivian Au
Hongkongers have been enthralled in recent weeks by the news that dinosaur fossils have been found on a remote island.
First came the belated announcement, in October, that a set of fossils discovered on Port Island in 2013 had been confirmed to be from dinosaurs.
Then, expert investigators who headed for the island off the northeastern part of Hong Kong found about 30 more rocks with fossils.
The island is in one of several protected zones off Sai Kung, in the Unesco Global Geopark, a showcase of dramatic ancient rock formations that tell the story of Hong Kong’s rich and varied geological past.
Experts believe the fossils found there could date to the Cretaceous period, about 145 million to 66 million years ago.
The recent online buzz over fossils and dinosaurs had more than 100 people saying they were keen to join a group tour to the site.
“Wow, Hong Kong really has its own dinosaur fossils! We are so happy and excited!” gushed one social media user.
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By Vivian Au
Hongkongers have been enthralled in recent weeks by the news that dinosaur fossils have been found on a remote island.
First came the belated announcement, in October, that a set of fossils discovered on Port Island in 2013 had been confirmed to be from dinosaurs.
Then, expert investigators who headed for the island off the northeastern part of Hong Kong found about 30 more rocks with fossils.
The island is in one of several protected zones off Sai Kung, in the Unesco Global Geopark, a showcase of dramatic ancient rock formations that tell the story of Hong Kong’s rich and varied geological past.
Experts believe the fossils found there could date to the Cretaceous period, about 145 million to 66 million years ago.
The recent online buzz over fossils and dinosaurs had more than 100 people saying they were keen to join a group tour to the site.
“Wow, Hong Kong really has its own dinosaur fossils! We are so happy and excited!” gushed one social media user.
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By Zoey Zhang
Diners at Cantonese tea restaurant in China can enjoy dim sum while watching live professional wrestling, a unique form of entertainment that has sparked much attention on mainland social media.
Unlike the genuine sport, professional wrestling, which is widely known as pro wrestling, is a choreographed stage combat performance. The wrestlers are both athletes and actors.
Pro wrestling evolved from the common practice of match-fixing among wrestlers in the United States in the 19th century, who later sought to make bouts shorter, more entertaining, and less physically taxing.
The most famous pro wrestling event in the world is World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in the US.
In China, pro wrestling is often confused with martial arts performances and sports, and its popularity remains low.The “food fights” take place in a busy dim sum restaurant in southern China. Photo: Baidu
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You’re hired! Trump taps Apprentice producer Mark Burnett as special envoy to UK
By Associated Press
Mark Burnett, the power producer who helped reintroduce Donald Trump to a national television audience with The Apprentice, is being tapped by the US president-elect as special envoy to the United Kingdom in his coming administration.
“With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role,” Trump announced on Saturday.
Burnett, who was born in London, helped produce hits like Survivor and The Voice, but is perhaps best known for teaming up with Trump for The Apprentice, which first aired on NBC in 2004.
Trump had been well-known in real estate and pop culture circles for decades. But the show helped again make him a household name – though Trump severed ties with NBC in 2015, the same year he launched his first White House run.
The selection of Burnett continues Trump’s trend of filling out his incoming administration with people who have high-profile backgrounds in television or politics, or both – including his choice to be defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, a former co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, and ex-television doctor and unsuccessful Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, Mehmet Oz.
Trump’s first campaign in 2016 was rocked by allegations about his conduct on The Apprentice and other appearances during his association with NBC, notably in footage in which he said he could sexually assault women and get away with it because he was a “star”.
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By Associated Press
Mark Burnett, the power producer who helped reintroduce Donald Trump to a national television audience with The Apprentice, is being tapped by the US president-elect as special envoy to the United Kingdom in his coming administration.
“With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role,” Trump announced on Saturday.
Burnett, who was born in London, helped produce hits like Survivor and The Voice, but is perhaps best known for teaming up with Trump for The Apprentice, which first aired on NBC in 2004.
Trump had been well-known in real estate and pop culture circles for decades. But the show helped again make him a household name – though Trump severed ties with NBC in 2015, the same year he launched his first White House run.
The selection of Burnett continues Trump’s trend of filling out his incoming administration with people who have high-profile backgrounds in television or politics, or both – including his choice to be defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, a former co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, and ex-television doctor and unsuccessful Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, Mehmet Oz.
Trump’s first campaign in 2016 was rocked by allegations about his conduct on The Apprentice and other appearances during his association with NBC, notably in footage in which he said he could sexually assault women and get away with it because he was a “star”.
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To maintain calm in the South China Sea, Beijing just reaches for the bilateral playbook
By Alyssa Chen
Despite their ongoing rivalry over the South China Sea, Malaysia and China continue to keep close ties.
Back in 2019, the two Asian powers agreed to set up a bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM) specifically for dealing with maritime issues. In October this year, it was finally set into motion.
Details of the consultation were scant – both sides said only that they would improve practical cooperation.
But this bilateral method appears to be Beijing’s go-to approach to handling South China Sea disputes. And although the strategy has had both wins and fails, maritime experts say the very existence of mechanism plays a crucial part in preventive diplomacy that both manages tensions and fosters consensus.
One of the main reasons Beijing uses this approach is to stop interference from other countries that could complicate or escalate issues, according to Luo Liang, an assistant research fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.
He said that while China and Malaysia had strong ties, unresolved maritime disputes in the South China Sea persisted, underscoring the need for preventive measures to manage potential conflicts.
“When relations between China and Malaysia are strong, both countries can push forward with pragmatic cooperation and enhance their communications,” Luo said.
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By Alyssa Chen
Despite their ongoing rivalry over the South China Sea, Malaysia and China continue to keep close ties.
Back in 2019, the two Asian powers agreed to set up a bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM) specifically for dealing with maritime issues. In October this year, it was finally set into motion.
Details of the consultation were scant – both sides said only that they would improve practical cooperation.
But this bilateral method appears to be Beijing’s go-to approach to handling South China Sea disputes. And although the strategy has had both wins and fails, maritime experts say the very existence of mechanism plays a crucial part in preventive diplomacy that both manages tensions and fosters consensus.
One of the main reasons Beijing uses this approach is to stop interference from other countries that could complicate or escalate issues, according to Luo Liang, an assistant research fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.
He said that while China and Malaysia had strong ties, unresolved maritime disputes in the South China Sea persisted, underscoring the need for preventive measures to manage potential conflicts.
“When relations between China and Malaysia are strong, both countries can push forward with pragmatic cooperation and enhance their communications,” Luo said.
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Saudi suspect in deadly Christmas market car attack railed against Islam and Germany
By Agence France-Presse
The Saudi suspect in Germany’s deadly car-ramming attack on a Christmas market held strongly anti-Islam views and was angry with Germany’s migrant policy, official said Saturday.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the “terrible, insane” attack that killed five people and shocked the nation, days before Christmas and eight years after a jihadist drove a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin.
Police were puzzling over the motive of Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, the top suspect after an SUV ploughed at high speed through a dense crowd Friday, also injuring 205 people in the eastern city of Magdeburg.
The mass carnage sparked sorrow and revulsion, with a nine-year-old child among the dead and casualties being treated in 15 regional hospitals.
Germany has been hit by multiple deadly jihadist attacks, but evidence gathered by investigators and his past online posts painted a different picture of Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old doctor of psychiatry.
A self-described “Saudi atheist” who as an activist who helped women flee the oil-rich kingdom, he has railed against Islam but also against what he saw as Germany’s permissive attitude towards refugees from other mainly Muslim countries.
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By Agence France-Presse
The Saudi suspect in Germany’s deadly car-ramming attack on a Christmas market held strongly anti-Islam views and was angry with Germany’s migrant policy, official said Saturday.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the “terrible, insane” attack that killed five people and shocked the nation, days before Christmas and eight years after a jihadist drove a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin.
Police were puzzling over the motive of Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, the top suspect after an SUV ploughed at high speed through a dense crowd Friday, also injuring 205 people in the eastern city of Magdeburg.
The mass carnage sparked sorrow and revulsion, with a nine-year-old child among the dead and casualties being treated in 15 regional hospitals.
Germany has been hit by multiple deadly jihadist attacks, but evidence gathered by investigators and his past online posts painted a different picture of Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old doctor of psychiatry.
A self-described “Saudi atheist” who as an activist who helped women flee the oil-rich kingdom, he has railed against Islam but also against what he saw as Germany’s permissive attitude towards refugees from other mainly Muslim countries.
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Hamas, 2 other Palestinian groups say Gaza ceasefire deal ‘closer than ever’
By Agence France-Presse
Hamas and two other Palestinian militant groups said on Saturday that a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel is “closer than ever”, provided Israel does not impose new conditions.
Last week, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States were held in Doha, rekindling hope of an agreement.
“The possibility of reaching an agreement [for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal] is closer than ever, provided the enemy stops imposing new conditions,” Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said in a rare joint statement issued after talks in Cairo on Friday.
A Hamas leader told AFP on Saturday that talks had made “significant and important progress” in recent days.
“Most points related to the ceasefire and prisoner exchange issues have been agreed upon,” he said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak publicly on the issue.
“Some unresolved points remain, but they do not hinder the process. The agreement could be finalised before the end of this year, provided it is not disrupted by [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu’s new conditions.”
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By Agence France-Presse
Hamas and two other Palestinian militant groups said on Saturday that a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel is “closer than ever”, provided Israel does not impose new conditions.
Last week, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States were held in Doha, rekindling hope of an agreement.
“The possibility of reaching an agreement [for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal] is closer than ever, provided the enemy stops imposing new conditions,” Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said in a rare joint statement issued after talks in Cairo on Friday.
A Hamas leader told AFP on Saturday that talks had made “significant and important progress” in recent days.
“Most points related to the ceasefire and prisoner exchange issues have been agreed upon,” he said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak publicly on the issue.
“Some unresolved points remain, but they do not hinder the process. The agreement could be finalised before the end of this year, provided it is not disrupted by [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu’s new conditions.”
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Pakistan’s reported J-35 deal shows Chinese stealth fighter is ready for global market: analysts
By Enoch Wong
Pakistan’s reported procurement of J-35 jets from China signals that the stealth fighter is ready to enter the international market, potentially helping to finance development of more advanced weaponry for the People’s Liberation Army, analysts say.
The sale would mark Beijing’s first export of fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally and is expected to recalibrate regional dynamics, particularly in relation to Pakistan’s rival, India.
Pakistani broadcaster 24 News HD reported last week that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had approved the purchase of 40 of the aircraft, which are expected to be delivered within two years to replace the country’s ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters.
Another national television network, BOL News, reported in July that PAF pilots had officially begun training for the J-31 stealth fighter jet in China. The J-31 is called the J-35.
These developments came months after Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said in January that “the foundation for acquiring the J-31 stealth fighter aircraft has already been laid”.
The stealth fighters will join the PAF’s growing arsenal, which includes several dozen Chinese-made J-10CE medium multi-role combat aircraft delivered two years ago.
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By Enoch Wong
Pakistan’s reported procurement of J-35 jets from China signals that the stealth fighter is ready to enter the international market, potentially helping to finance development of more advanced weaponry for the People’s Liberation Army, analysts say.
The sale would mark Beijing’s first export of fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally and is expected to recalibrate regional dynamics, particularly in relation to Pakistan’s rival, India.
Pakistani broadcaster 24 News HD reported last week that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had approved the purchase of 40 of the aircraft, which are expected to be delivered within two years to replace the country’s ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters.
Another national television network, BOL News, reported in July that PAF pilots had officially begun training for the J-31 stealth fighter jet in China. The J-31 is called the J-35.
These developments came months after Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said in January that “the foundation for acquiring the J-31 stealth fighter aircraft has already been laid”.
The stealth fighters will join the PAF’s growing arsenal, which includes several dozen Chinese-made J-10CE medium multi-role combat aircraft delivered two years ago.
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