China's self-developed Y-20, YY-20 military aircraft to make waves at Airshow China

China's self-developed and most advanced military aircraft, the Y-20 heavy transport aircraft and the YY-20 refueling aircraft, are poised to make waves at the upcoming 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China.

Y-20 is officially codenamed "Kunpeng" after a mythical bird that can fly vast distances.

The military aircraft are set to impress audiences through a series of spectacular aerial performances and ground displays, offering a glimpse into the capabilities of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force.

"At the Zhuhai Airshow, we have dispatched one Y-20 transport aircraft and two YY-20 refueling aircraft. The YY-20 will deliver multiple aerial performances at Zhuhai Jinwan Airport, and together with the Y-20, the YY-20 will also participate in static ground exhibit, offering a comprehensive showcase of China's domestically-produced large multi-purpose transport aircraft and large aerial refueling aircraft," said Han Jiachun, a pilot with the Central Theater Command Air Force.

The aircrew participating at the airshow not only boast rich flight experience, but also have demonstrated China's military aviation prowess at international airshows in Austria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and other countries.

To provide the audience with a truly breathtaking experience, they have choreographed an array of high-difficulty maneuvers, pushing the limits of both the aircraft and their own skills.

In addition, the static ground exhibit is set to be a big draw.

For the first time, the Y-20 will open its cargo hold to the public, allowing visitors to step inside and explore the aircraft's interior.

"The opening event will allow everyone to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the internal structure and functionality of the Y-20. During the process, we will also share stories about our aircraft's involvement in real combats, trainings and humanitarian rescue missions, as well as the growth and development of our airlift units. Our goal is to make these strategic assets a shining name brand demonstrating the strength of the PLA," said Wang Yuhao, another pilot with the Central Theater Command Air Force.

The air show, scheduled for Nov 12-17, coincides with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force, which falls on Nov 11.

China's self-developed Y-20, YY-20 military aircraft to make waves at Airshow China

The Chinese naval hospital ship, Silk Road Ark, carried out a medical rescue drill in Atlantic waters during its Mission Harmony 2025, testing its capability to provide medical support during long-distance deployments.

The drill marked the vessel's first overseas medical-support exercise in unfamiliar waters in 2026, designed to simulate real-world emergency response scenarios far from home ports.

It brought together the hospital ship, a sea-based medical facility and shipborne helicopters in a coordinated rescue operation.

The exercise was conducted against a simulated backdrop of a commercial vessel in distress on the high seas with multiple casualties. After receiving the emergency signals, a shipborne helicopter immediately took off under an aerial evacuation plan, transferring simulated injured personnel to the triage area for rapid assessment and emergency treatment.

As part of the exercise, medical teams practiced a time-sensitive rescue approach, combining casualty transfer, triage and treatment to ensure prompt and accurate assessment of injuries under operational conditions.

"We followed the principle of providing treatment while transferring and carrying out triage and rescuing, ensuring that casualties are correctly assessed at the earliest time possible. If a patient is in a critical condition, we must carry out necessary emergency treatment in the triage area. Once vital signs are relatively stable, the patient is then transferred to an appropriate treatment unit," said Jiang Yingbo, a member of the Mission Harmony 2025.

Severely injured patients were transferred to intensive care units for further observation and treatment after surgery. A medical expert group then conducted timely consultations to formulate targeted treatment plans.

Under complex sea conditions in distant waters, the drill covered multiple training modules including maritime evacuation, triage, emergency treatment and surgery, strengthening the military medical ship's integrated emergency medical response, and enhancing the navy's far-sea medical support capability, according to the authorities.

Chinese navy hospital ship drills medical rescue in Atlantic waters