I think some people need to realize that the US has already flown demonstrators for NGAD as far back as about five or so years ago. Yes, the program was put under review, but I don't think the revealing of these aircraft indicates China is ahead of the US. Imagine if we had gotten pictures of those demonstrators when they first flew? How different would the narrative be surrounding the flight these aircraft today?
Claims without footage is simply ultimately not worth much. It's the same as with H-20 development, it was claimed as flown many times or progressed here or there, but there's nothing to back up that it exists out of a design and powerpoints.
In the end US (just as one can say China too, hence why I never trusted H-20 claims) has things to gain from making oversized claims, and it has arguably a very spotty record when it comes to being truthful. I would say if US feels so provoked that it is now behind China or at least so by public perception, they can easily reverse it just by showing that they have similar or better prototypes. If they don't, well either there isn't anything to show, or maybe they're content knowing that both parties are still neck to neck and they will show something once they have it presentable.
US embarrassed itself a little imho by claiming a lot with B-21. But we should remember that after the Mig-25 came the F-15 and after F-15 came the Flanker. Who is to say final NGAD will not be to J-XX aircraft like Flanker ended up being to all the F-teens? US should never be assumed to be out of the race, but if they don't show something relevant, then we have no choice but to assume they're behind for the moment. (but it doesn't mean they're out, far from it)
