It looks like China is showing no signs of backing down as far as military enhancements are concerned, as the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. revealed that the world's second-largest economy is developing military drones capable of evading anti-aircraft weapons.
China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. deputy general manager Wei Yiyin emphasized the importance of stealth military drones, saying that these can aid in adding precision to reconnaissance, airstrikes, aerial combat, and anti-submarine operations, VOA reported.
Despite ringing alarm bells over the rapid pace of the Chinese military's modernization program, China asserted that it holds no intention to impose aggression as it continues to procure and develop new military weapons, which include aircraft carriers and stealth fighters.
During the recent Lunar New Year celebrations, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) displayed its expanding capabilities by parading its DF-16 missiles, which has medium-range capabilities that can counter any anti-missile defenses as it aims at slow-moving targets, Yibada reported.
Moreover, China is looking to expand its sea fleet in the South China Sea to match that of the U.S. Navy, in a bid to impose its leadership over the area. Such a development also risks trouble for two of the world's largest military powers.
The assertiveness to which China has laid its claim over disputed areas in the South China Sea, which includes Taiwan and a collection of atolls awarded to the Philippines by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, makes its heavy military spending more worrisome.
China's drone tech continues to catch up with countries such as the U.S. and Israel, with the country hoping to partake in the global market share for stealth military drones by selling to markets other countries are otherwise hesitant to transact with.
Apart from stealth military drones, China also revealed plans to develop other variants such as long-range endurance and near-space drones. These drones, the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. reported, look like cruise missiles.