1 day Ago By Sana Hashmi
T he 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition concluded on 17 November in Zhuhai, Guangdong. This biennial event provided a striking display of China’s growing aerospace power, industrial-military complex, and advancements in aerospace innovation and technology. Beyond the military spectacle, the airshow also emphasised Beijing’s strategic and economic objectives, reinforcing its aspirations to position itself as a global leader in defence and technological sectors.
China’s state-run broadcaster, CCTV, hailed the airshow as a “comprehensive and successful display” of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) military advancements. One commentator remarked , “For the first time, a dynamic showcase integrating air, sea, and land was presented. Aerial performances were complemented by water and ground demonstrations, creating a visually captivating experience while underscoring China’s expanding power.
” The airshow stirred national pride , fueling patriotic sentiments and boosting confidence in the PLA’s capabilities nationwide, as millions of viewers and over 5.9 lakh visitors attended the airshow. The exhibition attracted 1,022 companies from 47 countries, showcasing 261 aircraft and 248 types of ground equipment .
Over the six-day event, contracts worth 285.6 billion yuan were signed, along with 247 activities, including conferences, forums, and business negotiations. The event not only provided a window into China’s expanding military capabilities but also highlighted its growing role as a potential global supplier of cutting-edge aerospace technology.
Among the key highlights, the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) unveiled its latest fighter, the J-35A, a new-generation stealth aircraft designed for medium-range operations. It complements the J-20, which is already renowned for its long-range capabilities. Chinese analysts and experts emphasised the synergy between the two fighters and the critical role of stealth, advanced radar systems, and precision strike capabilities in modern air warfare.
By integrating these fifth-generation fighters into a broader network of intelligence assets such as satellites, early-warning aircraft, and unmanned drones, the PLA highlights the significance of system-level warfare, unifying all military domains into a cohesive force. This is a step forward in air control, precision strikes, unmanned operations, and missile defence. Officials from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) pointed out that the J-35A is set to fill a strategic gap in mid-range combat.
The J-10CE , frequently compared to—and sometimes referred to as a copy of—the US F-16 , is a versatile multi-role fighter equipped with advanced avionics, over-the-horizon multi-target attack capabilities, and an extensive combat radius. Designed for supersonic flight and short take-offs, it signifies China’s growing expertise in air combat systems. Lunar soil samples retrieved by the Chang’e-6 mission were also presented to the domestic audience for the first time, reflecting China’s growing ambitions in space exploration.
The Y-20 transport aircraft , with its expansive cargo hold, was also made accessible to the public. Alongside these displays, new weapons systems, including the Hongqi-19 ground-to-air missile system and the Chada integrated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), were introduced. The PLA also demonstrated its growing multi-domain capabilities.
Helicopters such as the Z-10, Z-20 , and Z-8 highlighted advancements in airborne assault and surveillance, while the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) unveiled the J-15D, J-15T, and Z-20J. Among the most talked-about displays was the “ Killer Whale ”, a 500-tonne, high-speed, stealthy unmanned surface combat vessel with autonomous capabilities for over-the-horizon firepower strikes and submarine detection. With a range of 4,000 nautical miles, it exhibits China’s growing naval and autonomous combat potential.
This year’s airshow also spotlighted dual-use technology and Beijing’s push for civil-military integration. Among the most futuristic displays was a modular flying car capable of separating its land and flight components with a single operation, enabling immediate takeoff by deploying its rotors. Alongside this, high-power cargo drones, hybrid drones with vertical take-off and landing capabilities, and ultra-long-endurance drones showcased China’s progress in unmanned systems for both military and civilian applications.
Also read: Trump’s climate denial gives China its moment to lead. At COP29, it’ll seize the opportunity The Zhuhai Airshow highlighted China’s growing emphasis on self-sufficiency in defence technology, with a strong focus on “ Made in China ” innovations and indigenous capabilities. As the US-China rivalry is expected to persist under Donald Trump’s second presidency, China is strategically working to reduce its reliance on imports and boost domestic production.
The event showcased China’s ambition to lead in global aerospace and defence markets. Its focus on homegrown systems indicates efforts to reshape international defence norms and expand its global influence. As the PLA advances toward its 2027 modernisation goals, the event serves as a powerful showcase of China’s defence and technological progress, sending a clear message of its emergence as a formidable challenger to global rivals.
Sana Hashmi is a fellow at the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation. She tweets @sanahashmi1. Views are personal.
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