Has China just released pictures of another 6th generation stealth fighter?

Images of a previously unknown stealth aircraft have started circulating on Chinese social media, triggering a debate about whether it is a new piloted warplane or a “loyal wingman” drone.

At least two photographs of the aircraft, taken from various angles on the ground, have been circulating since Monday. It is not clear from the pictures whether the plane had a cockpit or internal weapons bay.

The images reveal a slimmer fuselage and smaller size compared with images of another plane thought to be the J-36 stealth fighter, suggesting that the new aircraft might have a higher top speed.