China and Japan just are not equals in military aviation

  China has a rich and deep history of military aviation projects. From the Soviet Mig knockoffs to the current indigenous aircrafts of today. Chinese have manufactured J6s J7s and J11s which are Soviet designed military aircrafts. Domestically, China has designed and manufactured Q5s, J8s, JH7As, J10s, and J20s. So there is a rich history of design theory and aviation manufacturing. Japan's airforce simply consists of f16s and f15s. Which are both american designed and manufactured aircrafts. The f2 which is the closest thing Japan has to an indigenous aircraft is 50 percent made and designed in the united states. Its turbofan engine is also designed and made in the us. The two simply are not equals.

  Yes, Japan does have a rich commercial and consumer friendly industry. But that has little to do with military aviation. Otherwise, the two family cars I drive would be a Volga and a GM. Instead, the only two cars I have ever owned were both Toyotas. A Previa and a Camry.

  With the J20, China has already caught up. The only fighter aircraft the us could hide behind was the f22 under the claim of stealth. Well, China has stealth too.

  Japan is no slouch, China looks to Japan in regards to bullet train technology, automobiles, and consumer electronics. But it doesnt look to Japan in regards to military aviation and weapon systems. That would be a step backwards. Claiming Japan will be able to the same in some future uncertain date is not the same as saying Japan will catch up to China. By then, China would have already moved on to something else. Tactical nuclear warheads being dropped from stealth satellites in outer space.