Mockup: With U.S.-China tensions escalating, the race for sixth-generation fighter capabilities has intensified. The U.S. Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is set to secure air superiority with advanced manned and unmanned components.

China’s Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) recently unveiled the White Emperor (see image above), or Baidi, at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, hinting at a potential sixth-generation fighter for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.