"Flying car" debuts at Airshow China unveil diverse tech paths of low-altitude economy

Cutting-edge aviation technology for civilian and consumer use is taking center stage at Airshow China, with an array of "flying car" and aircraft models reshaping the country's low-altitude economy. 

At the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which kicked off in the southern coastal city of Zhuhai on Tuesday, onlookers are getting a taste of the future of transportation. 

"The 'Land Aircraft Carrier' is a groundbreaking innovation by the Chinese -- the first product in the world that can fit an aircraft in a car's trunk, so it is worth looking forward to. In the future, road trips could mean driving this vehicle to scenic destinations and enjoying stunning aerial views of the landscape," said Zhao Deli, the founder and president of Chinese flying car company XPeng AeroHT.

Other exhibitors presented new drones and manned aircraft that may transform the way people envision low-altitude transit.

"This product's major breakthrough is the integration of quantum-secure encryption technology into drones," said Zhou Lei, an exhibitor of Qshine.

"We are introducing an industry-first amphibious design to the product, enabling it to operate seamlessly across three modes -- ground travel, aerial flight, and efficient air-to-ground docking," said Lyu Shengliang, an engineer of GAC Group.

Last year, China's low-altitude economy exceeded 500 billion yuan (about 71 billion U.S. dollars), and is projected to surpass one trillion yuan by 2026. 

Experts said China's three main city clusters are taking different paths in the low-altitude economy.  South China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area focuses on innovation and commercialization, while the eastern region of the Yangtze River Delta, which includes Shanghai, specializes in high-end manufacturing and smart development, while the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle in southwestern China on affordable and efficient solutions. 

The airshow is scheduled to last through Sunday.

"Flying car" debuts at Airshow China unveil diverse tech paths of low-altitude economy

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela