Foreign visitors observe Chinese exhibits, including the J-10CE fighter jet, at the 55th Paris Air Show in Paris, France, on June 16, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Aviation Industry Corporation of China

At the 55th Paris Air Show, the Chinese J-10CE fighter jet, which has recently achieved remarkable success in foreign military air combat operations, has become a top focus of international media attention. Its appearance alongside France's Rafale fighter jet has sparked lively discussions, with media zeroing in on the question: "Which is superior, the J-10CE or the Rafale?" Commenting on this question, Wu Jiwei, a spokesperson at the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), told the Global Times that both aircraft are advanced fighters on the world stage, and he expressed hope that all cutting-edge fighter jets from different countries could contribute to safeguarding global peace.

The appearance of the J-10CE has made this year's Paris Air Show a hotbed of discussion, with comparisons between the Chinese J-10CE and France's Rafale becoming a trending topic in recent foreign media coverage as both aircraft are on display at the event.

CEO of French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation, the maker of the Rafale, Eric Trappier, recently told French media outlet in an interview that it is always complicated to say that we're the best in absolute terms, but I sincerely think that we're the best comprehensively.

"It is obvious that in an air confrontation with an [US] F-22, is it going to be complicated for the Rafale. But if you want a single aircraft capable of air-to-air missions, reconnaissance, air-to-ground strikes, nuclear missions and being able to embark on an aircraft carrier, I think that the Rafale is indeed the best aircraft in the world, better than the [US] F-35 and much better than all the Chinese aircraft on the market. It perfectly meets the needs of the French armed forces and the countries that have purchased it," Trappier said.

Similar questions were repeatedly posed to the AVIC delegation at the Paris Air Show. "For several consecutive days, numerous Chinese and foreign media outlets have been asking me the same question about the J-10CE fighter," Wu told the Global Times. "What I want to say is that both aircraft are among the world's most advanced fighters. But sometimes, when heroes cross paths under specific circumstances, in a particular time and place, it's only natural to trigger some discussions. And I think that is perfectly normal," he said.

It is truly gratifying to witness, at the world-renowned Paris Air Show, the progressive development of fighter jets from countries across the globe, as well as the iterative upgrades of the J-10CE's advanced systems. A series of cutting-edge aircraft, including the J-35A, J-20, GJ-11 and Y-20, have achieved remarkable advancements. With each iteration and enhancement, these advanced warplanes continue to write thrilling new chapters in the aerospace exploration, Wu said.

"What we hope is that on the grand international stage, in humanity's magnificent journey of aerospace exploration, advanced fighter jets from all countries can soar higher, fly farther, and perform better - all in defense of world peace and the advancement of human well-being," Wu said.