ZHUHAI: Two of China`s secretive J-20 warplanes swept over a gasping crowd at the Zhuhai Air Show on Tuesday, potent symbols of Beijing`s aspirations to military might.
The fighters 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 United States.
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, drones and fighter jets.
China`s only international aerospace expo, the Zhuhai event serves as a stage for Beijing to flex its muscles before an audience of cheering citizens and foreign guests from 42 countries, including Russia, Pakistan and Britain.
