CMG releases precious footage of J-20's maiden flight

China

CMG releases precious footage of J-20's maiden flight

2025-10-04 16:34 Last Updated At：21:57

The China Media Group (CMG) on Saturday released the precious footage of China's self-developed J-20 stealth fighter jet on its maiden flight on January 11, 2011.

Designed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, China's first stealth-class combat aircraft made a historic takeoff at Chengdu Wenjiang Airport to the cheers of its developers more than 14 years ago.

"In addition to some of our technical staff and support personnel, who were outside the control tower, there were many front-line research and development workers on the side of the runway. We witnessed the takeoff and landing of the aircraft in person. I think we felt more excitement than anything else -- a feeling of wanting to clench our fists. After so much effort, it finally took flight," said Xue Longxian, a researcher at Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, when recalling this thrilling moment. After an 18-minute flight, the J-20 landed smoothly, confirming the success of its first voyage.

"The first impression was that the plane was very sensitive and it was very easy to control. I felt great, but I landed before I could fully enjoy it," said Li Gang, the test pilot in the J-20's maiden flight.

This successful flight marked China as one of the few countries in the world capable of independently developing stealth fighter jets, achieving a historic leap in the country's aviation industry.

As China's first domestically developed fifth-generation stealth fighter, the J-20 has advanced a series of key core technologies, including high stealth, high performance, and high maneuverability.

Meanwhile, the J-20 is equipped with the most advanced air-to-air missiles and mission management systems in China, significantly enhancing the strike success rate. It can also form a system combat capability with other aviation equipment, such as unmanned aerial vehicles and early warning aircraft, achieving a jump from single-aircraft combat to systematic fighting.

UNGA President warns global multilateral system "under attack"

The multilateral system is "under attack" amid global turmoil, President of the 80th UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock warned in her remarks on Wednesday.

In her briefing on the priorities for the resumed 80th Session of the General Assembly, the UNGA president noted that the current multilateral system does not collapse all in a sudden, but "crumbles piece by piece" in divisions, compromises, and lack of political commitment.

The president called all the UN member states to defend the UN Charter and international law and promote cross-regional cooperation.

She also urged to push forward the work of the UNGA on certain critical issues with a strong majority, rather than an absolute consensus among all member states. Such act is not a failure of multilateralism, but "an affirmation of it," she said.

The foundational principles of the institution should not be eroded by appeasement, she said, calling the member states to show courage, leadership, and responsibility at the UN's "critical make-or-break moment."

"The UN needs you. Your support, your leadership, your principle, stand, your cross-regional cooperation, if we are to preserve and modernize this institution, if we are to make it, rather than break it," she said.