China's aviation and arms exhibition attracts over $38 billion

(CLO) At the Zhuhai Airshow, visitors have the opportunity to admire spectacular aerial performances and see firsthand China's latest weapons and aircraft.

China's largest airshow opened to the public on November 15, attracting crowds eager to get a glimpse of some of the country's most advanced weapons and aircraft.

Long lines formed outside the entrance to the event venue in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai on November 15, with many visitors waiting more than an hour to get in, according to videos and social media posts.

The first three days of the event are reserved for individuals, professional organizations and foreign representatives, before opening to the public for the final three days.

The biennial event, also known as the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, has grown in popularity in recent years and is now comparable in scale to the world's largest air show held in Paris.

Crowds of visitors gather near Shenyang J-16 fighter jets at the Zhuhai Air Show in Guangdong province on November 15. Photo: AFP

This year's exhibition attracted nearly 600,000 visitors and generated more than 280 billion yuan ($38.7 billion) in orders, down from $39.8 billion two years ago and $40 billion in 2016, state broadcaster CCTV reported on November 17.

The huge figure reflects strong interest and investment in aviation technology. Notable deals include Urumqi Airlines' agreement to buy 40 ARJ21-700 aircraft from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), worth about $1.52 billion.

More than 1,000 companies from 47 countries and regions participated in the exhibition. The focus in Zhuhai remained on Chinese aircraft and weapons systems. The air show showcased China's growing defense capabilities over the years, from the less advanced J-8II M fighter to this year's most advanced J-35A.

In spectacular aerial displays, visitors can see advanced stealth fighters from China's J-35A and J-20 to Russia's Su-57. The Russian Knights aerobatic team is back after an eight-year absence, part of Russia's strong presence at this year's air show.

The event featured exhibitors from across the aerospace industry, including both military and civil aircraft manufacturers. This diversity highlighted China’s growing role as a major player in the global aerospace market.

Ngoc Anh (according to CCTV, SCMP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/trien-lam-hang-khong-va-vu-khi-trung-quoc-thu-hut-hon-38-ty-usd-gia-tri-don-dat-hang-post321836.html