Chinese military equipment manufacturers are showcasing their products at the ongoing 12th Iraqi Security, Defense and Military Industries Exhibition (IQDEX) in Baghdad.
Commenced on Saturday, the four-day event drew together advanced equipment such as unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles, cannons, armored vehicles, radars, rocket launchers, machine guns, and ground support equipment of 112 weapons production companies from 19 countries.
A total of 13 Chinese companies are participating in this year's IQDEX with tanks, armored vehicles, missiles, radars, drones and other products and scale model of equipment, covering both traditional and emerging defense sectors.
Mustafa Ati Hassan, head of the Iraqi Defense Industry Commission, expressed his hope for more cooperation with Chinese companies.
"Chinese and Iraqi military industries have a good understanding and mutual trust. We hope to start more projects in the near future with the support of China's military industry. Chinese companies have made great contributions to the revitalization of Iraq's industrial sector after the war," said Hassan.
Chinese manufacturers showcase military products at IQDEX 2024
Chinese manufacturers showcase military products at IQDEX 2024
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
