The latest models of China's upgraded J-15 fighter jet series made a spectacular debut with an impressive aerobatic performance on the opening day of the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, in Zhuhai City of south China's Guangdong Province on Tuesday.
During the airshow's opening ceremony, a formation of three aircraft, consisting of one J-15D and two J-15T fighter jets, performed an arrested landing and aerial 'partner refueling' demonstration, highlighting the advanced capabilities of these carrier-based aircraft.
"Aerial 'partner refueling' refers to the mutual refueling between fighter jets, which is highly valuable when there is a lack of land-based refueling support in distant seas. This practice effectively extends the operational range of aircraft carriers, prolongs the airborne time of carrier-based aircraft, and significantly boosts the combat capabilities of the aircraft carrier formation," said Chinese Navy expert Li Jian.
Completing an arrested landing is a vital skill that naval pilots must possess in bringing the aircraft to a stop on the short space of a ship deck. During the airshow, the J-15D pilot skillfully guided the aircraft through the landing process, and brought the aircraft to a halt at the designated position to the acclaim of spectators. "Compared to traditional aircraft landings, arrested landings for carrier-based fighter jets are significantly different. On a warship, with its short deck runway and minimal margin for error, there is no room for a conventional go-around. Therefore, to ensure that an aircraft can swiftly take off in case it misses the arresting cable during landing, a unique approach is used. Pilots increase throttle, maintain thrust, decrease speed, and execute a gradual descent to facilitate a rapid takeoff if necessary," said Li.
The J-15, also known as "Flying Shark," is an updated version of the fourth-generation carrier-based fighter jet independently developed by China for its navy, which completed its maiden flight back from the Liaoning aircraft carrier back in 2012.
China's updated "flying shark" fighter jet makes debut at air show
The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing serious concern about and firm opposition to the U.S. unilateral military operations in Venezuela.
The U.S. actions contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use or threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the UN Charter, constituting an extremely dangerous precedent against peace and regional security, according to the statement.
In expressing profound concern and firm rejection, the six countries stressed in the statement that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, and through dialogue, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law.
Only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity, according to the statement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S. raid in Venezuela as a violation of international law, adding that the Spanish government always advocates and defends international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Addressing a meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
Noting that Latin America and the Caribbean are a zone of peace, he expressed his firm opposition to the use of force, which is an unshakable principle.
Any aggression against Venezuela shall be regarded as an attack against all CELAC member states, and nations must collectively oppose it, he stressed.
The South African government denounced the U.S. attack on Venezuela as a violation of international law, according to a statement released on Sunday.
History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis, the statement said.
South Africa calls on the UN Security Council to urgently convene a session to address this situation, according to the statement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said what happened in Venezuela demonstrates that international law and the UN Charter are losing their practical effectiveness.
U.S. military action against Venezuela marks a dangerous precedent, as similar actions could be taken against any other nations, he said.
In addition, the foreign ministries of Namibia, Singapore, Oman and Pakistan also issued statements on the same day, expressing grave concern over U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
They emphasized the need to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter while respecting Venezuela's sovereignty.
They also called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue.
U.S. move against Venezuela sparks condemnation, concerns worldwide
