PLA J-20 Stealth Fighter Near Pingtung? Taiwan 2026 Military Drill Mystery

Did a ghost just breach Taiwan's front door? A controversial video released by the PLA has ignited a fierce debate over whether a J-20 stealth fighter managed to approach a key Taiwanese airbase undetected. Published on January 2, 2026, the footage coincided with the second day of the 'Justice Mission 2025' joint military exercises surrounding the island.

The J-20 Stealth Fighter and the Pingtung Visual Evidence

The video, shared by the Eastern Theatre Command, shows the stealth jet flying against a landscape that looks strikingly similar to Pingtung in southern Taiwan. Former Taiwanese navy official Lu Li-shih fueled the fire on social media, posting side-by-side comparisons of the footage and local terrain. While he claims the J-20 reached the island's doorstep, some analysts remain skeptical, questioning the authenticity or timing of the clips.

Strategic Stakes: Why the Pingtung Region Matters

Pingtung isn't just any coastal county; it's a backbone of Taiwan's defense infrastructure. It houses the Jiupeng base, a primary facility for missile testing, and the Dahanshan radar station, which provides critical early warnings. If a J-20 truly bypassed these sensors, it would signal a massive vulnerability in the island's 'invisible' shield against high-end stealth assets.