A US ally is forging ties with China's air force but probably won't get its J-20 stealth fighter

• The UAE is boosting ties with China's air force.
• It could be a scheme to increase pressure to buy the US F-35 stealth fighter.
• The UAE is pursuing a "balancing strategy" between Washington and Beijing, experts said.

The United Arab Emirates is expanding air force ties with China in what may be a scheme to brighten their dim prospects of acquiring F-35 Lightning II stealth jets from the United States. However, this developing cooperation will not likely result in Abu Dhabi ordering alternative fifth-generation fighters from Beijing.