China's HQ-19 surface-to-air missile weapon system will make its public debut at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Zhuhai Airshow.
Designed primarily for regional interception of ballistic missile threats, the missile features a wide operational coverage and strong penetration defense, among others.
Mounted on an 8x8 high-mobility truck, each missile launcher carries six interceptor missiles housed in cylindrical "storage-transportation-launch" tubes, and uses a "cold launch" method. In this system, the missile is propelled by gas, and the rocket engine ignites only after the missile has cleared the silo, offering a safer alternative to the "hot-launch" system.
As a next-generation air defense weapon, the HQ-19 is among the world's most advanced missile systems. It can intercept not only conventional ballistic missiles but also hypersonic glide vehicles maneuvering within the atmosphere, according to analysts.
The air show, scheduled for Nov 12-17 in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, will feature a diverse range of activities including aerobatic displays, said Senior Colonel Xie Peng, spokesman for the PLA Air Force.
Aircraft set to perform at the show include the J-20, J-16, and the YY-20A for refueling. The cargo hold of Y-20 aircraft will also be open to the public.
This year's event coincides with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Air Force, which falls on Nov 11.
China's HQ-19 missile system to make debut at Zhuhai Airshow
China has overtaken North America to become the world's top-grossing film market so far in 2026, with box office revenue reaching 7 billion yuan (about 970 million U.S. dollars) as of Saturday, slightly above North America's 938 million U.S. dollars, according to online ticketing platforms.
The country's strong box office performance has largely been driven by its ongoing Spring Festival holiday, which began on Feb 15. So far, China's holiday ticketing revenue has exceeded 4.4 billion yuan, contributing over half of its total earnings this year.
During the nine-day holiday, a wide range of blockbuster films across different genres and themes premiered in theaters across China, providing the perfect backdrop for family reunions and festive fun.
Topping the Spring Festival sales chart was "Pegasus 3," the third installment in director Han Han's racing-comedy franchise starring Shen Teng, one of China's most bankable comedic actors. The film has amassed more than two billion yuan since its debut.
The first two films in the series were released during the 2019 and 2024 Spring Festival seasons, grossing a combined 5 billion yuan.
Spy thriller "Scare Out," directed by Zhang Yimou, ranked second on the chart with 701 million yuan in box office revenue. It was followed by the martial arts action film "Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert," which grossed 577 million yuan.
In east China's Jiangsu Province, holidaymakers said watching movies has become a popular way to enjoy family gatherings and social interactions during the Spring Festival.
"The Spring Festival is a bond that brings the whole family together. Taking advantage of this occasion, our family gets together to watch a movie, enjoying a warm and happy time," said Jiang Hong, a moviegoer.
"The cinemas are packed. Sitting in the screening room, surrounded by laughter, the atmosphere of everyone celebrating the festival together is truly wonderful. Plus, going to the movies is an activity that the whole family can do together. I think this is the essence of the Chinese New Year," said Ms. Ying, a local resident.
"When watching a movie, we all get together and immerse ourselves in a shared virtual world. Although we don't communicate during the film, we can always exchange our thoughts afterwards. It is a great choice [for festive celebration]," said Luo Pingchuan, another moviegoer.
China becomes global box office champion so far in 2026
