Chinese Engineer's Viral Tutorial Details How to Down US F-35 Fighter Jet
In a striking development amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, a detailed tutorial created by Chinese engineers on how to shoot down the United States' most advanced and expensive fighter jet, the F-35, has gone viral on social media. The tutorial, which reportedly appeared on March 14, has garnered tens of millions of views and is said to have been put into practice by Iran just five days after its posting.
Background of the US-Israel War Against Iran
The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran began over a month ago, following a missile attack on Saturday, February 28, that targeted and assassinated Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with his family members and over 160 school children. In response, Iran has launched attacks on US allies in the region, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, and has targeted all US military bases while also striking civilian facilities such as oil wells.
Iran has escalated the situation by closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which 20% of global oil passes daily. This move has triggered an economic crisis in the global market, leading to a sudden and dramatic increase in fuel and gas prices worldwide.
Chinese Civilians Volunteer Expertise to Aid Iran
Reports indicate that technically skilled Chinese civilians are volunteering their expertise on Chinese social media platforms to support Iran in its resistance against the US. According to the South China Morning Post, these individuals, many with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), are not seeking payment or official backing for their efforts. Notably, Chinese authorities have not taken down these posts, as is their usual practice with sensitive content.
The tutorial in question was created by an account identified as “Laohu Talks World” and was subtitled in Persian, Iran's official language. It explained how Iran's military could utilize low-cost systems to target and destroy the advanced stealth capabilities of the F-35 fighter jet. On March 19, five days after the tutorial was posted, Iran reportedly struck a US F-35, suggesting the practical application of this shared knowledge.
US Response and Broader Implications
In a related development, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that Iran has been killing Americans across the world for the past 47 years, a statement made during a press conference alongside President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, March 26. Rubio asserted that while past US presidents refused to stop Iran, President Trump has decided to take decisive action.
The viral tutorial and the involvement of Chinese civilians highlight the evolving nature of modern warfare, where social media and civilian expertise can play a significant role in international conflicts. This phenomenon raises questions about cybersecurity, the spread of military knowledge, and the potential for non-state actors to influence geopolitical events.
As the conflict continues, with Iran demonstrating resilience and defensive strategies, the support from Chinese social media users adds a new dimension to the war, fueling Iran's resistance efforts and complicating the US and Israel's military operations in the region.
