Global helicopter firms seek deeper cooperation with China at Tianjin expo

The 7th China Helicopter Exposition, which opened Thursday in Tianjin, has drawn over 180 foreign companies from more than 30 countries and regions, many of which have voiced interest in deepening cooperation with Chinese firms.

Hosted by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China and the Chinese People's Liberation Army, the four-day event features 52 aircraft models, including helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

Airbus Helicopters, one of the largest helicopter manufacturers around the globe, displayed its five-blade H145 helicopter for the first time in China. The upgraded five-blade main rotor demonstrated superior performance in high-temperature and high-altitude environments, attracting a steady stream of customer inquiries.

"What we can see is (that) the growth on the Chinese helicopter market over the last three years has been strong and progressive, which I think really leads to the dynamic atmosphere that we have at the show today. And we have a number of projects already ongoing that will be introduced in the coming months and years," said Colin James, managing director of Airbus Helicopters China.

The expo has also drawn major global helicopter manufacturers such as Russian Helicopters and Bell, along with companies across the industry chain, from engine production to helicopter maintenance. Many expressed willingness to enhance cooperation with Chinese firms.

"I think that Chinese market is one of the largest markets in the world. Our helicopters can be used for different purposes. We are looking forward to work with Chinese companies under the development of helicopters, according to the needs of Chinese markets," said Suchilin Sergei, person in charge of helicopter life cycle support at Russian Helicopters.

"We are very pleased to welcome all our customers. We have over 100 operator customers in China, and this afternoon we will be signing several contracts for maintenance and repair of engines in China for different operators," said Olivier Savin, executive vice president of Safran Helicopter Engines in France.

Global helicopter firms seek deeper cooperation with China at Tianjin expo

China opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes imposing one's own will on others, and opposes a return of the world to the "law of the jungle," Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday.

During the call, Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments in Iran, saying the recent unrest was incited by external forces and that the situation has now returned to stability.

Saying that Iran has made preparations to respond to external interference while keeping the door wide open to dialog, Araghchi expressed hope that China would play a greater role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China consistently upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes imposing one's own will on others, and opposes a return of the world to the "law of the jungle."

He said that the Chinese side believes the Iranian government and people will stay united, overcome difficulties, maintain national stability, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

Wang also called on all parties to cherish peace, exercise restraint, and resolve differences through dialog, adding that China is willing to play a constructive role in this regard.

Chinese, Iranian FMs have phone conversation