J-20 Stealth Fighter Designer Removed from Chinese Academy of Sciences Website

The chief designer of China's J-20 stealth fighter jet, Yang Wei, has been removed from the website of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, amid an anti-corruption campaign in the defense sector.

Wed Mar 18 2026

J-20 Chief Designer's Information Removed

Yang Wei (62), the chief designer of the J-20 stealth fighter jet, has been removed from the website of China's national research institute, the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the top academic body for science and technology, and Yang Wei had been listed as a member. According to a snapshot from the Internet Archive, his name was no longer on the site as of Monday, December 2.

Potential Link to Defense Anti-Corruption Campaign

The removal of Yang Wei's information comes amid a sweeping campaign to stamp out corruption in China's defense sector. Yang Wei has not appeared in public. There is currently no specific explanation linking this matter directly to the defense sector's anti-corruption campaign.

*Source: SCMP (2026-03-18)*

Tags: #J-20 #Stealth Fighter #Yang Wei #China #Anti-Corruption