China showcases technological strength, military openness at Zhuhai Airshow

The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition has fully showcased China's technological capabilities and commitment to innovation, while concurrently reflecting the nation's openness and transparency in the military sphere, said a military expert.

The event, also known as Airshow China or Zhuhai Airshow, kicked off on Tuesday in Zhuhai, a coastal city of south China's Guangdong Province.

At this year’s air show, the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission established a dedicated zone for information release, which covers four key areas: achievements in equipment, policy introductions, military trade systems, and a forum for military equipment.

The department’s efforts have helped foster international cooperation and the exchange of military technologies, and provided a platform and channels for supporting social forces to collaborate in weapons and equipment construction. This, in turn, demonstrates China's transparency by sharing its progress both domestically and internationally, said military expert Li Li.

"The Zhuhai Airshow is an excellent window and platform for showcasing military defense capabilities. It showcases the latest developments in aerospace from various countries, especially from China. It also demonstrates that Chinese military is a force for peace and defense," said Li.

This year's airshow features an expanded exhibition space with 13 zones, covering 120,000 square meters and attracting 1,022 exhibitors from 47 countries and regions, representing a 104 percent increase compared to last session.

One of the key highlights of this year’s exhibition is China’s advancements in aerospace engine, a critical area where the country has made significant strides. Once a bottleneck in China’s equipment development, aerospace engines have now become a symbol of the nation’s technological prowess.

"Aerospace engines are a key component of any country's large-scale industry, and for China, this posed a significant challenge. Today, China is a leading producer and exporter of aerospace engines, underscoring the country's prominent role in the global aerospace industry," said Li.

China showcases technological strength, military openness at Zhuhai Airshow

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday that Seoul firmly adheres to the one-China principle, in comments made ahead of his upcoming state visit to China.

The remarks were made in an interview with China Media Group (CMG). The visit is scheduled for Jan 4–7.

"The consensus reached between governments of the Republic of Korea and China when diplomatic relations were established continues to be the fundamental principle governing our relations, and its effectiveness remains steadfast. I want to clearly state that the ROK has always adhered to the one-China principle. Maintaining peace and stability in regional matters, including in Northeast Asia and concerning the Taiwan issue, holds significant importance to us," said Lee.

"The foundational relationship between the ROK and China was established on a very principled and fundamental basis from the beginning. It is clear that the ROK government has always adhered to this position and has never wavered from it. I believe that the sound development of ROK-China relations depends on both sides fully respecting each other's core interests and being mutually tolerant of each other's positions. In this context, we will, as always, uphold the one-China principle as the Taiwan issue is China's most fundamental concern," he said.

ROK president reiterates firm adherence to one-China principle