The Zhuhai Air Show hits a new record in scale, showcasing advanced equipment and demonstrating China's strength in aerospace and aviation, with major Chinese aerospace marvels shining brightly.

 "The flourishing aviation industry and military strength of China were showcased this week," commented Agence France-Presse on the 12th. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition officially opened in Zhuhai, with China's new stealth fighter jet, the J-35A, making its debut and conducting a flight demonstration above Jinwan Airport. Foreign media seized the opportunity to interview experts for analysis. Highlights of the exhibition include stunning flight performances, advanced weaponry: the J-35A, J-20, and Su-57 stealth fighters from China and Russia are making their first simultaneous appearance, the moon's far side and regolith are showcased for the first time domestically, and the Chinese Navy showcases a variety of equipment in its "debut"… The Zhuhai Air Show also serves as a platform for various parties to negotiate and conduct transactions. Agence France-Presse commented, "China is using the country's largest aviation exhibition as an opportunity to showcase its continuously growing military strength to potential clients and adversaries." On the first day of the exhibition, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) signed orders for 130 aircraft. Colonel Mikko Issa Ismail, a senior officer of the Niger Air Force, told a journalist from The Global Times that this was his first visit to the Zhuhai Air Show, and he was looking forward to seeing what equipment would be suitable for Niger and hoped to purchase some Chinese equipment to take back. Many media also noted that the Zhuhai Air Show featured its first drone zone, highlighting the increasing importance of this equipment.

Experts meticulously examine the images, seeking clues.

After days of preparation, the 15th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition kicked off at the Zhuhai International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition Center on December 12. This year's exhibition set a new record in scale, with 13 exhibition halls in use, covering an indoor area of 120,000 square meters. Companies from 47 countries and regions, totaling 1,022, gathered in Zhuhai, showcasing products that encompass land, sea, air, space, electronics, and network, covering a comprehensive six-dimensional spectrum.

The airshow will run until the 17th, with approximately four hours of flying displays scheduled every day starting from the 12th. TASS reported that the Zhuhai Airshow is held every two years, and this time, there are over 150 foreign exhibitors participating, nearly double the number of the previous show. Russia, France, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Italy, among others, have their own national pavilions.

The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition kicked off at the Zhuhai International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition Center on December 12. (Visual China)

　　The J-35A stealth fighter jet has been hailed as the "star" of this aviation show by foreign media. The Washington Post reports that the J-35A is a fifth-generation fighter designed to evade radar detection and attack enemy targets at supersonic speeds, with its first flight demonstration being the highlight of the opening day of the Zhuhai Air Show. "For military analysts, this is a rare opportunity to track the progress of the People's Liberation Army's modernization. Experts are closely examining the images, searching for clues to uncover China's advancements."

As delegates strolled on the airport tarmac, the People's Liberation Army Air Force's八一 aerobatic team, four J-20 stealth fighters, and the newly unveiled J-35A stealth fighter soared above. Reuters reported. Agence France-Presse said that Chinese official media videos showed the J-35A ascending into the sky, its engines roaring, then flipping and accelerating away, with ground spectators cheering in excitement. The report noted that the J-35A is lighter and more agile than China's existing J-20 stealth fighter. Experts believe that the display of the J-35A at the Zhuhai Air Show indicates it is nearing operational readiness, meaning China is now the second country, after the U.S., to possess two different types of stealth fighter jets.

"The twin-engine J-35A roared into the smoky sky," described The Nikkei Asia on December 12. The report cited an analysis from Chinese experts stating that the J-35 signifies China can "walk on two legs" now, as it is a great complement to the large stealth fighter J-20, and will help "deter any potential adversaries." The report also interviewed foreign experts, analyzing the appearance and performance of the J-35A. A Singapore expert noted, based on visual comparison, the J-35A's silhouette seems flatter than the U.S. F-35 stealth fighter, which may offset the radar cross-section, thus providing stealth capabilities. Comments suggest that the display of the J-35A indicates significant progress by China in the field of stealth fighters.

The Russian Su-57 made its first overseas appearance, becoming a major highlight of the Zhuhai Air Show. On the 12th, during the flight demonstration segment following the opening ceremony, "legendary test pilot" Bogdan piloted the Su-57 to perform the first formal demonstration of Russia's fifth-generation fighter jet at the Chinese air show. He executed high-difficulty maneuvers such as the "uprooting a scallion," vertical climb, continuous rolls, and the "falling leaf," earning a round of applause from the audience.

"We're interested in purchasing some Chinese fighter jets and transport planes."

The top five highlights of this year's Zhuhai Air Show, as summarized by Agence France-Presse, include the J-35A stealth fighter, the J-15T carrier-based fighter, the Hongqi-19 missile defense system, the "Jiutian" reconnaissance and strike drone, and Russia's Su-57 fighter jet.

On the noon of the 12th, the Y-20A was showcased for the first time in Zhuhai, with its cargo hold opened for public reservations. A long queue of spectators entered the cargo hold in an orderly manner. After entering the interior of the Y-20A, the first impression of the reporter from "Global Times" was its cleanliness and brightness, free from the cramped feeling usually associated with cargo planes. Most astonishingly, during personnel transport missions, the Y-20A can "transform" into a double-decker. The Y-20A is a domestically developed new-generation military large multi-purpose transport aircraft, featuring long range, heavy payload, and high speed. It is capable of executing long-distance air strategic deployment missions for various supplies and personnel.

Reuters reports that China's military has showcased the Z-20 at this airshow. Analysts believe the Z-20 is powerful, particularly in maritime operations, and it helps enhance China's anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The Z-20's development spanned a decade, and its debut has sparked considerable interest among neighboring countries' military attaches and security experts in China.

According to a reporter from The Global Times, since the successful hosting of the first air show in 1996, the Zhuhai Air Show has gradually grown to become one of the world's top five air shows. The overwhelming feeling at the Zhuhai Air Show is "hot," not just in terms of temperature but also in terms of the bustling crowd, both inside and outside the venue. Faces of people from all over the world keep appearing. Among them, in addition to ordinary spectators, exhibitors, and media journalists, many are there to view the exhibits, compare products, discuss intentions, and many booths have small boxes for visitors to drop their business cards. While visiting a large drone exhibit, the reporter found that groups of visitors were coming in waves.

On December 12th, a reporter from The Global Times observed that the Commander of the Iranian Air Force, Vahidi, boarded the J-10CE fighter jet at the air show. He first experienced the cockpit, followed by a tour of the aircraft with his entourage. Additionally, the reporter from The Global Times encountered the senior Nigerian Air Force officer, Ismail. When asked about his interest in specific equipment, he expressed great interest in China's fighter jets and transport aircraft, noting their reliable performance. He hopes to purchase some for his country to enhance national security.