China's Air and Arms Exhibition Attracts Over $38 Billion

China's largest air show opens to the public from November 15, drawing crowds eager to get a first-hand look at 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, according to videos and social media posts. Many visitors had to wait more than an hour to get in.

The first three days of the event are reserved for individuals, professional entities 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.

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 are exhibiting. The focus in Zhuhai remains on Chinese aircraft and weapons systems. The air show showcases 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 a strong Russian presence at this year's air show.

The event featured exhibitors from a wide range of aerospace sectors, 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)