Hubei launches pioneering low-altitude aircraft test base

Hubei Province in central China inaugurated its first major low-altitude aircraft testing facility at Zhushan General Airport on Tuesday, marking a significant advancement in China's burgeoning low-altitude economy sector.

The launching ceremony saw 18 leading low-altitude enterprises signing strategic cooperation agreements with Zhushan County government.

As one of Hubei's four operational A1-category general airports, Zhushan General Airport has established itself as an ideal testing ground with its exceptional airspace conditions and stable environment for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) trials.

The newly launched facility features a cutting-edge Integrated Communication and Sensing (ICS) flight management platform, powered by the fifth-generation advanced (5G-A) technology and capable of supporting comprehensive testing scenarios for micro, light, medium and large UAVs. "With this test base, the drone R-and-D and manufacturing companies in Hubei Province have a pass to the market. This will provide final product qualitative evaluation for the low-altitude economy in Shiyan City and even the entire province, especially the research, development, manufacturing and production of drones. It will also provide capacity and resource reserves for the large-scale development scenarios of the low-altitude economy in Hubei Province," said Zhou Hanqing, director of the Zhushan County airport administration office.

Two new short-haul passenger routes were announced at the event, linking the Zhushan airport to Hannan and Yichang in Hubei.

The project aligns with China's strategic push to cultivate its low-altitude economy, estimated to reach two trillion yuan by 2030.

Hubei launches pioneering low-altitude aircraft test base

The Republic of Korea (ROK) and China should cherish the historical experience of jointly resisting aggression and continue to work together for a prosperous future, said ROK President Lee Jae Myung.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lee will pay a state visit to China from Jan 4 to 7. It will be Lee's first visit to China since he took office last year.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Seoul on Wednesday, Lee said that humanity must learn from the past to prevent the tragedy of war from repeating itself.

"While pursuing their own national interests to the fullest extent, countries must not harm the national interests of others, but should coexist peacefully. The act of invading other countries and massacring their people for one's own benefit must never be repeated. History of humanity often repeats itself, therefore we must learn from the past. In this regard, I believe the historical experience of ROK and China in resisting aggression and fighting together is invaluable. Of course, while historical experience is important, we cannot remain stuck in the past. For a better future for the people of both countries, we need to continuously explore possibilities for working together towards the future," said the president.

ROK president calls for learning lesson from anti-aggression history

ROK president calls for learning lesson from anti-aggression history