Warplane represents leap forward in projecting might in sky

Zhuhai, November 1

Two of China’s secretive J-20 warplanes swept over a gasping crowd at the Zhuhai air show today, potent symbols of Beijing’s aspirations to military might. The jets were not announced on the schedule and appeared in the sky just after a colourful aerobatics show by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.With no fanfare but an abrupt announcement by the master of ceremonies, the dark, powerful jets rumbled side by side over the sun-baked spectators. Two minutes later, one blasted vertically into the sky and the jets were gone. Swift and heavily armed, the warplanes represent a leap forward in China’s ability to project power in Asia and compete in capabilities with the US. Beijing is seeking to modernise and upgrade its military both to protect its borders and project power into regions such as the South China Sea.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)This year’s Zhuhai exhibition, the largest ever, features an array of new made-in-China military technology, including assault vehicles, anti-aircraft missile systems, unmanned drones, and fighter jets. China’s only international aerospace expo, it serves as a stage for Beijing to flex its muscles before an audience of cheering citizens and foreign guests from 42 countries. — AFP

‘Made in China’ plan

• China is projected to become the world’s largest aviation market by 2024
• Boeing and Airbus are in a heated competition to win Chinese customers for their aircraft
• President Xi Jinping has declared aerospace one of the target industries for his ‘Made in China 2025’ plan