There have been recent reports in western media that China is now researching and developing a new type of long-range strategic stealth bomber. The military expert Li Li told the media in an interview that the strategic bomber had previously been neglected, but was once again arousing worldwide attention because of the increase in its stealth performance and conventional attack capability.

In the past, the role of the strategic bomber as a carrying platform for nuclear weapons limited its development. After the initial development of the bomber, strategic missiles were developed with a range of more than 10 thousand km from a land-based launching silo or from a mobile launching vehicle, with advantages such as strong maneuvering ability, high speed, and a high capability to elude or survive counter-measures. With their superior capabilities, they diverted attention from the strategic bomber.

Li Li said that various countries were once more directing their attention to the stealth strategic bomber because its characteristics have already changed. In the past, it was part of a 'trinity' combination of nuclear strike forces based on land, sea and air. However, it is now not only a platform for carrying nuclear weapons, but can also carry more conventional weapons, with a capacity even higher than that of ordinary fighters. Its individual attack strength is equivalent to that of many fighters used simultaneously, and its potential conventional attack ability has been considerably enhanced.

In addition, the stealth strategic bomber has both stealth and strong maneuverability, with a one-time dynamic range of several thousand and perhaps more than 10 thousand km. In contrast, ordinary fighters would need several mid-air refuelings to reach the same range. Li Li said that the attack capabilities of the stealth strategic bomber in conventional warfare is extensive, which is an important reason why various countries are again giving it priority.