Crowds gathered before dawn in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai on Friday as the country's largest air show opened its doors to the public, offering rare glimpses of China's latest military and space achievements.
The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, is running from Tuesday to Sunday.
The three-day public viewing session is expected to draw 115,000 visitors on its first day alone, with organizers implementing crowd control measures at several pavilions due to overwhelming interest.
China unveiled its domestically-developed new-generation stealth fighter jets J-20s and J-35A at this year's show, becoming a country with two types of active stealth warcraft.
Some veteran army fans carrying lenses of different sizes said that they are proud to witness the gathering of various advanced aircraft and remarkable progress of China's military equipment development.
"I want to see the cutting-edge fighter jets of our country's aviation industry, and our advanced air defense. As an army fan, I am looking forward to our country's high-tech aviation products and military products. I feel very excited, and very proud of the development of our country's military equipment," said a visitor.
Among the most sought-after exhibits is a sample of lunar soil from the far side of the moon - a world's first - brought back by China's Chang'e-6 mission. "I arrived last night, and today is my first day at the airshow. It is the lunar soil from the far side of the moon brought back by Chang'e-6. It is the world's first lunar soil collected from the far side of the moon, and it was collected by China. Because I am a little space fan, I am very interested in this kind of knowledge about China's space program," said a young visitor.
Covering more than 800,000 square meters, this year's show has attracted 1,022 companies from 47 countries and regions. A new dedicated area for unmanned systems showcases the growing importance of drone technology in both civilian and military applications.
The show's aerial demonstrations have drawn particular attention, featuring formation flights by some of China's most advanced military aircraft. The J-20 stealth fighter, J-35A carrier-based fighter, and YU-20 tanker aircraft took to the skies, alongside displays from the People's Liberation Army Air Force's aerobatic team.
On the ground, visitors queued to see Y-20 transport aircraft and the HQ-19 anti-ballistic missile system, with timed entry slots implemented for crowd management.
The exhibition, which will run through Sunday, comes as China continues to emphasize its technological self-sufficiency amid growing international tensions and trade restrictions in critical tech sectors.
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Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
