The goal for the F-35 was to create jobs and taxable revenue. Projecting power indeed. Manipulating other countries to “keep up with mil tech” even tho we all know our adversaries are 20 years behind. Maybe investing in schools or diplomacy could have created greater returns for the American public

It’s called unfinished business. Xi is not going to give up on reunifying all of china. They got their Hong Kong now they need the Taiwan

Well, our economy is collapsing from bad debt and inflation, we’ve alienated ourselves from our ally’s, we’ve relocated aircraft carriers and are starting new wars.

It’s honestly a great time for china to exert some force.

Umm hundreds of Chinese ambassadors to Xi Himself. How many do you want I’ll start pulling them.

China a country that has been trying to unify Taiwan since the civil war they couldn’t quite finish.

You’re only allowed to protest low-income housing in your local town you fucking idiot! God know’s that’s how democracy works dumby~

Yah bruh don’t be rousing the rabble! You rabble rouser you!

I mean they can be riddled with bugs and the best aircraft available. Chinas always going to lean in on raw numbers. Their aircraft are not superior, nor are their pilots who are always causing international incidents. The problem is the insane amount of resources that went into it and the fact that it really doesn’t have an adversary. There’s no telling if it will remain relevant for long enough to pay back the investment. For me it’s more of a “we needed a super jet like we needed a war in Iraq” vibe. No question its better than the Chinese equivalent (which there is none) Question is why the fuck did we build it?