AAD 2026 concludes in South Africa, highlighting innovation, defence cooperation

The 13th edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition concluded on Sunday in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital, highlighting technological innovation, industrial development, and international cooperation in the aerospace and defense sectors.

The five-day event was held at Air Force Base Waterkloof under the theme "Africa's Gateway to Defence and Aerospace Collaboration."

More than 250 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America participated in this year's event.

During the exhibition, the Chinese defense enterprises' exhibition area attracted considerable attention, showcasing a wide range of leading aviation equipment.

The J-10CE fighter jet, the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, and the Y-20 transport aircraft brought by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) drew strong interest from visitors.

"We are hopeful that our engagements with China will assist us as Africa to advance. And what is much more important is the non prescriptive type of approach and posture that China has. I mean it's coming in where to engage with us as equal partners, which is much more important, and that we will remain grateful for and will continue engaging with the people of China," said Moeti Mohwasa, Botswana’s Minister for State President.

Held biennially, the AAD combines a trade exhibition with an air show, serving as a platform for promoting international collaboration, trade and investment in Africa's aerospace and defense industries.

This year's edition featured three trade days from Wednesday to Friday, followed by two public air show days over the weekend.

AAD 2026 concludes in South Africa, highlighting innovation, defence cooperation

AAD 2026 concludes in South Africa, highlighting innovation, defence cooperation

A series of celebration activities of traditional Miao New Year in southwest China's Guizhou Province have drawn a large number of tourists from near and far, boosting culture-infused tourism.

Streets came alive as tens of thousands of Miao people gathered in Leishan County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture on Thursday to celebrate the Miao New Year.

Grand parades, intangible cultural heritage displays, and Lusheng antiphonal singing made the festival unforgettable. "It happens to be the child's autumn break, which also coincides with the weekend, so I brought my child along to feel the vibe," said Chen Junli, a tourist from Zunyi City of southwest China's Guizhou Province.

According to data from the culture and tourism department of Leishan County, about 300,000 tourist visits are expected during the autumn break.

In 2008, Miao New Year was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage.

Miao New Year celebrations lure tourists to Guizhou, boosting culture-infused tourism

Miao New Year celebrations lure tourists to Guizhou, boosting culture-infused tourism

Miao New Year celebrations lure tourists to Guizhou, boosting culture-infused tourism