The first group of female pilot trainees from the carrier-based aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy are making their first public appearance at the ongoing 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, in the southern coast city of Zhuhai.
At the Navy's indoor exhibition hall, a dedicated zone has been set up for naval aviator recruitment. Han Meng and Wang Mengdi, the first female carrier-based aircraft pilot trainees of the PLA Navy, are on hand to explain the recruitment policies and assist visitors in experiencing flight simulators.
It marks the first time that Airshow China has brought together female pilots from Chinese army, navy and air forces.
"This is my first time attending Airshow China, and I'm very thrilled and proud to be here and to see the PLA Navy unveiling so many new equipment as well as cutting-edge aircraft. As a naval carrier-based pilot trainee, I hope to fly these fighter jets one day in the future to safeguard our nation's vast territorial waters," said Han.
The PLA Navy's first female pilot trainees were enrolled in 2023. All of them are recent graduates from military and civilian universities, born in the 2000s.
"Becoming a naval pilot means we must land on aircraft carriers. We live and work on the carrier, and therefore we are first sailors, then pilots, and finally combatants," said Wang.
The first group of female carrier-based pilot trainees had passed their solo flight tests on basic trainer aircraft by the end of April 2024. They are currently undergoing flight training exercises on carrier-based helicopters.
Airshow China kicked off on Tuesday in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, showcasing an impressive lineup of cutting-edge military hardware while offering a glimpse into the latest achievements in the modernization of the Chinese military. The event will last through Sunday.
PLA Navy's first group of female carrier aircraft pilot trainees debut at Airshow China
PLA Navy's first group of female carrier aircraft pilot trainees debut at Airshow China
Spanish students have expressed their expectation that a healthy China-U.S. economic and trade relationship will inject greater stability into the global economy and create greater opportunities for Spain.
On Sunday, Chinese and U.S. delegations convened in Paris, France for talks on economic and trade issues. Guided by the consensus reached by the two heads of state in Busan and their subsequent phone talks, the two sides will conduct consultations on economic and trade matters of mutual concern.
Ahead of the talks, members of the public in Madrid, Spain, shared their views on China–U.S. economic and trade relations with China Media Group (CMG). They agreed that reaching an agreement between the world’s two largest economies would have a direct impact on the global landscape.
"They are the two countries that contribute the most economically, in a manner of speaking, to the rest of the countries. They are major importers and exporters. So I think that a satisfactory relationship between them can be very beneficial for all other countries," said Claudia, an engineering student.
Noting that both sides are important trading partners of Spain, the interviewees stated that a healthy, stable and sustainable China-U.S. economic and trade relationship also affects various aspects of the Spanish society, and that agreements between the two countries would help promote Spain's economic growth.
"I do think that it could have a certain effect on the Spanish economy, both in terms of prices, and I would dare say employment as well. Because I think that if those two great powers reach an agreement, Spain could also get in on the action. It would create quite a few jobs in Chinese and American multinationals for all Spaniards," said Claudia.
"Spain is caught in the middle; it has good relations with both the U.S. and China. If it gets on the bad side of either one, it could be hit hard, because Spain mainly relies on tourism -- well, other things too, but essentially tourism, construction and agriculture. It's very important to have more help and trade with all countries around the world," said Denis, a law student.
Spanish students say stable China-US ties benefit global economy
