US Doubles Stealth Jets Presence Near China
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The United States has dispatched a second group of stealth fighter jets to Kadena Air Base in Japan, reinforcing its air power to counter China in the contested western Pacific Ocean.
Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email.
Why It Matters
Kadena Air Base, located on the island of Okinawa, is the closest U.S. air base to Taiwan, with a distance of 370 miles. China has long threatened to use force against the self-ruled island of Taiwan, claiming it is part of Beijing's territory, despite having never governed it.
Under a U.S. maritime containment strategy, Japan, a key treaty ally of Washington, formed the first island chain with Taiwan and the Philippines, which seeks to restrict the Chinese military's access to the Pacific Ocean, in addition to the second and third island chains.
The U.S. Air Force is replacing Kadena Air Base's fleet of the older F-15C/D Eagle jets with the state-of-the-art F-15EX Eagle II jets, which are expected to arrive in 2026. During the air power transition period, Kadena Air Base maintains a rotational presence of fighter aircraft.
What To Know
The U.S. Air Force 18th Wing, which is the host unit for Kadena Air Base, announced in a news release that an unknown number of the F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft, which are assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, arrived at the base on Thursday.
Four United States Air Force F-35A fighter jets taxiing after landing at Kadena Air Base in Japan on April 24.
Four United States Air Force F-35A fighter jets taxiing after landing at Kadena Air Base in Japan on April 24.
Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo/U.S. Air Force
The squadron, nicknamed "Black Widows," was originally stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. It is the second F-35A fighter aircraft unit to be deployed at Kadena Air Base after the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, a unit based at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
The Alaska-based F-35A fighter aircraft were deployed to Kadena Air Base from April 3 to 6 with the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft, which were sent by the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, a unit stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina.
The arrival of the Utah-based F-35A fighter jets completed the latest round of fighter aircraft deployments to the Pacific Ocean, the news release said, adding that the continuous rotations of aircraft at Kadena Air Base ensured a "lethal and credible" air power to deter aggression.
According to the U.S. Air Force, the F-35A is its latest fifth-generation fighter jet, providing next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness and reduced vulnerability. Japan is also an operator of this type of stealth fighter aircraft and has ordered a total of 105 jets.
A United States Air Force F-35A fighter jet landing at Kadena Air Base in Japan on April 24.
A United States Air Force F-35A fighter jet landing at Kadena Air Base in Japan on April 24.
Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo/U.S. Air Force
The two sister variants of the F-35A fighter aircraft, the U.S. Marine Corps' F-35B and the U.S. Navy's F-35C, are also deployed in Japan as part of the U.S. forces protecting the ally. They are stationed at the city of Iwakuni on Honshu, one of the four main islands of Japan.
What People Are Saying
The U.S. Air Force 18th Wing said: "Modernizing capabilities in the Indo-Pacific theater remains a top priority. Kadena aircraft rotations exemplify the [Department of Defense's] continued commitment to maintain a continuous fighter presence while awaiting the arrival of the F-15EX."
U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mussler, the commander of the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, said: "The Black Widows are thrilled to be back and flying with our allies and partners here at Kadena. Our unit values the distinctive training opportunities afforded by our deployment to the Indo-Pacific and is eager to contribute to the mission."
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether the U.S. military will send additional assets to Japan. Last month, President Donald Trump questioned the U.S.'s commitment to the security of its ally.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong charged under Beijing-imposed security law for second time
HONG KONG (AP) — Prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong on Friday was charged with conspiracy to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security under a Beijing-imposed law that critics say has crushed Hong Kong's once-thriving pro-democracy movement. The prosecution was the second time Wong has been charged under the sweeping national security law. He was already convicted in a separate subversion case linked to an unofficial primary election and was sentenced last year to four years and eight months in jail for that charge. The prosecution accused Wong, 28, of conspiring with fellow activist Nathan Law and others to ask foreign countries, institutions, organizations or individuals outside of China to impose sanctions or blockades, or engage in other hostile actions, against Hong Kong and China. They also said he disrupted the formulation and implementation of laws and policies by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments, and that the act was likely to have serious consequences. The alleged offenses occurred between July 2020 and November 2020. The prosecution didn't elaborate on the accusations in court. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. After hearing the charge in court, Wong, who wore a blue shirt and was visibly thinner, said he 'understood' the charge. The case was adjourned to August. National security police arrested Wong in Stanley, an area in southern Hong Kong, over the national security charge and also on suspicion of 'dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offense," police said in a statement. Wong rose to fame in Hong Kong in 2012 as a high school student leading protests against the introduction of national education in the city's schools. Two years later, he became world famous as a leader of the Occupy Movement. In 2016, Wong co-founded a political party named Demosisto with fellow young activists Law and Agnes Chow. In the 2019 pro-democracy movement, Wong helped seek overseas support for the protests. His activism led Beijing to label him an advocate of Hong Kong's independence who 'begged for interference' by foreign forces. Demosisto disbanded when Beijing imposed the security law in 2020. The Chinese and Hong Kong governments said the law brought back stability to the city. In 2023, Hong Kong authorities offered rewards of 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($127,600) for information leading to the arrests of Law, who moved to Britain, and some other overseas-based activists.
Newsweek
33 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Iran Importing Missile Fuel From China as US Tensions Rise: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran is importing thousands of tons of missile fuel materials from China as it works to rebuild its diminished military capabilities following Israeli strikes and the weakening of its regional proxies, according to a new report. According to The Wall Street Journal, Tehran has arranged for a shipment that includes ammonium perchlorate—used in solid-fuel ballistic missiles—which could enable the production of up to 800 missiles. Newsweek has reached out to Iran and China's foreign ministries for comment. Why It Matters The shipment underscores Iran's push to restore its missile capabilities after Israeli strikes damaged key facilities and weakened its regional influence. It also reflects deepening ties with China as both face mounting U.S. pressure. The development comes as nuclear diplomacy remains fragile: while the Trump administration has signaled openness to an agreement, it demands limits on Iran's regional and nuclear activities. Tehran seeks sanctions relief and security assurances. A man walks past a banner depicting missiles launching from a representation of the map of Iran coloured with the Iranian flag in central Tehran on April 15, 2024. Iran on April 14 urged Israel... A man walks past a banner depicting missiles launching from a representation of the map of Iran coloured with the Iranian flag in central Tehran on April 15, 2024. Iran on April 14 urged Israel not to retaliate militarily to an unprecedented attack overnight, which Tehran presented as a justified response to a deadly strike on its consulate building in Damascus. MoreWhat to Know The shipment from China includes thousands of tons of ammonium perchlorate, a vital chemical oxidizer for producing solid-fuel ballistic missiles. This volume could enable the manufacture of up to 800 missiles and is expected to arrive in phases over the coming months, although Iran has not officially confirmed the deal. In response to Iran's expanding missile program, the U.S. recently sanctioned multiple individuals and entities in both Iran and China involved in procuring missile propellant materials. Iran's Military Setbacks The missile fuel shipments come as Iran seeks to recover from Israeli strikes that targeted its missile production facilities and proxy forces across Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. These Israeli attacks were carried out in response to Iranian missile and drone assaults on Israeli targets, marking a cycle of escalating retaliation between the two countries. Despite temporary setbacks to Tehran's regional influence and military capabilities, the latest procurement signals Iran's determination to rebuild its strength amid ongoing tensions. Port Explosion An earlier shipment of missile fuel materials from China was linked to a devastating explosion at a major port in southern Iran, killing at least 70 people and injuring hundreds more. While Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed the shipment, state media reported that the blast was caused by accidental mishandling of highly volatile materials. Smoke fills the sky above a devastated area of Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, on April 28, 2025. The blast, believed to have originated from hazardous chemicals, killed at least 70 people and... Smoke fills the sky above a devastated area of Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, on April 28, 2025. The blast, believed to have originated from hazardous chemicals, killed at least 70 people and injured over 1,200, according to local Proposal On Thursday, the U.S. State Department urged Iran to accept its nuclear proposal, calling it "in their best interest." Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said that the Trump administration remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, warning Tehran faces a choice between "a good option and a bad option." Pigott's remarks come as Iran said it's preparing a counterproposal to the American offer. The two sides have been engaged in talks since April, with the most recent round held on May 23. While negotiations remain fragile, both Washington and Tehran have signaled interest in continuing the diplomatic process. What People Are Saying Ali Shamkhani, senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader: "After receiving the American proposal regarding the Iranian nuclear program, we are now preparing our new counter-proposal." U.S. Treasury Department: "Chinese individuals and entities have supported Iran's missile program, including the production of Houthi missiles and drones." U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: "We've also been clear again and again and again that the Iranian regime can never have a nuclear weapon, that there is a good option and a bad option in regards to that." What Happens Next The timing of the planned missile fuel shipments, coming as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks remain stalled, indicates Iran is preparing to bolster its long-term military capabilities, complicating prospects for future negotiations.
Newsweek
38 minutes ago
- Newsweek
World Map Shows Countries That Owe China Money
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Once the world's largest financier, China has in recent years become its top debt collector as grace periods expire on billions of dollars in loans issued to the global south. This year, a record $22 billion in debt to China is due from 75 of the world's poorest countries, according to a recent report from the Australian think tank the Lowy Institute. A Newsweek map based on World Bank data charts the external debts owed to China by more than 100 countries. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Foreign Ministry for comment by email. Why It Matters China's lending spree peaked in the 2010s, generating more than $1 trillion in obligations tied to infrastructure projects under President Xi Jinping's flagship Belt and Road Initiative. U.S. officials have blasted the initiative as "debt trap diplomacy"—leveraging loans to gain control of critical infrastructure. China rejects this, saying its overseas lending operates on mutually beneficial terms. But as repayments mount, the burden will strain developing economies and divert resources from priorities such as health care, education and poverty reduction, the Lowy Institute wrote. What To Know China accounted for about 5 percent, or $441.8 billion, of the $8.8 trillion in public external debt owed by all low- and middle-income countries, according to data from the World Bank's 2024 report on International Debt Statistics. The figures cover the external debt stocks of public and publicly guaranteed debt to China, alongside countries' total external debt stocks as of the end of 2023. In absolute terms, Pakistan tops the list of Chinese debtors, owing $22.6 billion—almost a sixth of its $130.8 billion external debt. Argentina follows with $21.2 billion of its $266.2 billion external debt, and Angola owes Beijing $17.9 billion of its $57 billion external debt. When measured by the share of total debt owed to China, Djibouti is the most exposed, with more than 40 percent of its $3.4 billion external debt tied to Chinese lenders. In Laos, Chinese loans make up 30 percent of its $20.3 billion debt burden. Zambia follows with about 27 percent of its $29 billion debt owed to China. An October 2017 photo showing the development of Gwadar Port, operated by Chinese state-owned China Overseas Port Holding Company, in southwestern Pakistan. An October 2017 photo showing the development of Gwadar Port, operated by Chinese state-owned China Overseas Port Holding Company, in southwestern Pakistan. Kyodo News via AP What People Are Saying Riley Duke, a research fellow for the Lowy Institute, wrote in his May report: "China is grappling with a dilemma of its own making: it faces growing diplomatic pressure to restructure unsustainable debt, and mounting domestic pressure to recover outstanding debts, particularly from its quasi-commercial institutions." Mao Ning, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told reporters on May 27: "I can tell you that China's cooperation on investment and financing with developing countries follows international practice, market principles, and the principle of debt sustainability." What Happens Next China is under growing international pressure to work with debt-strapped nations on restructuring their obligations. This could give the West a chance to regain some influence lost to China in the developing world, Duke wrote. Yet Washington may struggle to seize the moment, as the Trump administration scales back international engagement and U.S. soft power—pulling out of the World Health Organization, slashing the United States Agency for International Development's budget and planning deep cuts to the State Department.
