(RTTNews) - Chinese President Hu Jintao has told visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates that Beijing successfully conducted the first test-flight of its J-20 stealth fighter.Gates told reporters that during his meeting with Hu on Tuesday afternoon in the capital, the Chinese leader confirmed having tested the most modern war plane.
The 18-minute flight from the Aircraft Design Institute near the south-western city of Chengdu early Tuesday afternoon was cheered by hundreds of spectators, Chinese online media reported.
Responding to Gates' query, Hu said timing of the "pre-planned test" was a coincidence and that it had "absolutely nothing to do with" his visit.
The stealth fighter "formed part of China's normal military modernization," according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei.
Read More : Chinese President Tells US Defense Chief It Tested Stealth Fighter
