Xi’s tailless ‘J-36’ seen up close before Trump summit; China tests sixth-gen jet before Taiwan war?

New footage has surfaced showing what is reported to be a flight test of China’s tailless J-36, an aircraft widely described as a potential sixth-generation fighter under development. The close-up video reportedly shows the three-engine jet flying at low altitude. Reports also point to a fighter-jet laser weapon tracking and aiming system displayed at a Beijing defence expo, adding to speculation about future Chinese air-combat capabilities. The J-36 was first seen flying in 2024, while a structural mock-up was reportedly displayed on September 15. The developments come ahead of a scheduled Xi Jinping-Donald Trump summit in the United States.