Trade wars and military conflicts have sometimes intersected throughout history. Economic disputes amplify nationalistic sentiment, strain diplomatic ties, and can spark dangerous flashpoints. While a shooting war with China does not appear imminent, the U.S. and China are locked in a deepening trade war. Both nations have been showcasing their latest military hardware—particularly sixth-generation aircraft.

Weeks before President Trump entered the White House, high-resolution images of the next-generation tactical fighter-bomber (J-36), expected to replace the Xi’an JH-7, surfaced on social media. The diamond-shaped wing design left military observers across the West stunned. 

Deutsche Bank analyst Scott Deuschle characterized China’s rapid advancements in sixth-generation aircraft, leapfrogging from fifth-generation fighters, as a serious “wake-up call” for the United States Air Force. 

Fast forward to five days after Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff blitz on China, where the effective rate for both countries rocketed to the mid-50s percent…

… X user Defense Politics Asia noted: “China deliberately wanted you to see their 6th Gen J-36 Fighter. The number of sighting is no longer normal now.”

China deliberately wanted you to see their 6th Gen J-36 Fighter.

The number of sighting is no longer normal now. pic.twitter.com/6p6kDuaD4q

— Defense Politics Asia (@DefensePolitics) April 7, 2025

Just weeks ago, President Trump awarded Boeing a contract to develop the USAF’s F-47 6th-gen stealth fighter jet. 

Boeing Will Build US Air Force’s Next-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet, Trump Announces https://t.co/lUVga81g3P

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) March 21, 2025

“The J-36 sightings definitely seem orchestrated. It’s a clever move to subtly influence perceptions of China’s tech advancements, which could impact defense strategies and budget allocations. It’s a chess game on a global scale,” one X user said. 

The J-36 sightings definitely seem orchestrated. It’s a clever move to subtly influence perceptions of China’s tech advancements, which could impact defense strategies and budget allocations. It’s a chess game on a global scale.

— Simon P (@simonkp) April 7, 2025

Another X user pointed out: “China’s playing the long game. These deliberate exposures force Pentagon budget increases while masking true capabilities. Classic non-linear strategy in a zero-sum competition where perception becomes reality.“

China’s playing the long game. These deliberate exposures force Pentagon budget increases while masking true capabilities. Classic non-linear strategy in a zero-sum competition where perception becomes reality.

— EchoesOfFuture (@EchoesOfFuture) April 7, 2025

China’s increasing showcasing of its 6th-gen stealth bomber is largely a show of force by Beijing as trade tensions with Washington boil over. Just more evidence of a bipolar world taking shape.