China to Unveil Next-Generation Strategic Bomber 'H-20' at Zhuhai Airshow in November

SCMP Warns of Increased Tensions in East Asia Upon Disclosure
Significance of Completing Nuclear Triad with ICBM and SLBM

Concept image of China's supersonic strategic bomber 'H-20,' expected to be unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow in China this November

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Young-shin] China's next-generation strategic bomber, the 'H-20,' is expected to be unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow this November. The timing of the new weapon's debut coinciding with the U.S. presidential election is anticipated to further escalate U.S.-China tensions.

Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 4th the possibility of the H-20's unveiling, predicting that the Zhuhai Airshow will serve as a platform for China to showcase its control over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its cutting-edge technology.

It also expressed concerns that the H-20's unveiling, as a threat to Western countries including the U.S. and Australia, will further strain the geopolitical situation in East Asia.

The H-20 is a stealth-capable supersonic bomber reportedly capable of carrying weapons weighing up to 45 tons, including nuclear warheads. Its estimated range is 8,500 km, approaching the 9,500 km distance between Beijing and San Francisco in the U.S.

SCMP stated that the H-20 will replace the 'H-6K' bomber, known as 'China's B-52.' The H-6K is an older bomber capable of carrying 9 tons of weapons, flying 6,000 km at a speed of 1,000 km/h. The H-20 is evaluated to surpass the H-6K in flight speed, range, and payload capacity, while also featuring stealth capabilities.

Once this stealth bomber is deployed, China will complete its nuclear triad consisting of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and air-launched missiles. This development could heighten tensions between the U.S. and countries surrounding East Asia. It is reported that Chinese military authorities are still considering whether to unveil this bomber at the Zhuhai Airshow for this reason. There is also interpretation that the decision to reveal the H-20 may be influenced by whether the U.S. deploys additional F-35 stealth fighters in the Indo-Pacific region.

However, SCMP also cited some military sources stating that the development of the H-20 bomber's engine is delayed, and it may take at least another 2 to 3 years to complete development.

China is also expected to increase its defense budget this year, contrary to expectations. The prevailing view is that the Chinese government will not sacrifice the defense budget to focus solely on economic recovery. The nearing completion of the military environment improvement project, which began in 2015, is also cited as a reason for securing the defense budget.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.