The Red Falcon Air Demonstration Team of the Chinese air force arrived in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province on Wednesday to perform stunts at the upcoming 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or China Airshow.
The airshow will take place from Nov 12 to 17, which has attracted 1,022 companies from 47 countries and regions. Russia, France, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Italy will participate in the biennial aerospace trade show in groups.
As an export-oriented international event, the air show offers a rare venue to observe China's military aircraft up close, especially the newest models.
Nine home-grown JL-8 aircraft of the demonstration team arrived at Zhuhai for the event, comprised of eight performance aircraft and one backup aircraft.
After the formation arrived in Zhuhai, they circled over the city for a few rounds before landing steadily one by one. The pilots received a brief welcome ceremony on the spot, and then the ground staff conducted inspections on the aircraft.
At the air show this year, the Red Falcon will present wonderful performances together with the air force's Bayi (August 1) aerobatic team and the Russian Knights aerobatic demonstration team of the Russian Air Force.
Established in 2011, the Red Falcon is made up of outstanding flight instructors from the Aviation University of the Air Force.
The aerobatic team has fascinated the audience with stunning performances at multiple events. Apart from the previous sessions of China Airshow, they also participated in activities celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
China's Red Falcon air demonstration team arrives for Zhuhai airshow
China's Red Falcon air demonstration team arrives for Zhuhai airshow
China's Red Falcon air demonstration team arrives for Zhuhai airshow
A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities on Thursday wrapped up their nine-day visit to Taiwan. They set off for Taiwan on Nov. 27 and visited universities, historical sites, scenic spots, as well as sports, sci-tech and cultural venues on the island, widely engaging with locals throughout the tour.
The delegation made the tour at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation.
"The young people from both sides of the Strait share the same root, and we are having a harmonious communication this time. We also welcome young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland for exchange," Cao Yibo, a student from Peking University, told reporters during the tour.
The delegation included table tennis Olympic champion Ma Long who studies at Beijing Sport University, and air rifle Olympic champion Yang Qian of Tsinghua University.
"In the future, I would like to visit Taiwan again. I did not expect that so many compatriots in Taiwan would come to welcome and us and pay so much attention to our exchange tour," Ma said.
Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, saw off the delegation at the airport on Thursday, and said the mainland students and teachers had received Taiwan residents' heartfelt welcome wherever they went.
"The farewell dinner party was held yesterday evening, when almost all students from the mainland shared their feelings. What moved me so much is that every one of them thanked people here, because the latter sincerely and warmly welcomed them wherever they went during the nine-day tour. They told me that when they go back, they will tell their relatives and friends that people in Taiwan are kind, hospitable and warm. I believe that is the most important purpose of the exchange across the Strait," he said.
Calling youth exchanges a foundation of cross-Strait relations in the future, Hsiao said the foundation will carry on and continue to promote such exchanges across the Strait.
This is the second delegation of mainland teachers and students visiting Taiwan at the invitation of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, following the visit by a first delegation in July last year.
Delegation of mainland university students, teachers wraps up Taiwan visit
