China's HQ-19 surface-to-air missile weapon system will make its public debut at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Zhuhai Airshow.
Designed primarily for regional interception of ballistic missile threats, the missile features a wide operational coverage and strong penetration defense, among others.
Mounted on an 8x8 high-mobility truck, each missile launcher carries six interceptor missiles housed in cylindrical "storage-transportation-launch" tubes, and uses a "cold launch" method. In this system, the missile is propelled by gas, and the rocket engine ignites only after the missile has cleared the silo, offering a safer alternative to the "hot-launch" system.
As a next-generation air defense weapon, the HQ-19 is among the world's most advanced missile systems. It can intercept not only conventional ballistic missiles but also hypersonic glide vehicles maneuvering within the atmosphere, according to analysts.
The air show, scheduled for Nov 12-17 in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, will feature a diverse range of activities including aerobatic displays, said Senior Colonel Xie Peng, spokesman for the PLA Air Force.
Aircraft set to perform at the show include the J-20, J-16, and the YY-20A for refueling. The cargo hold of Y-20 aircraft will also be open to the public.
This year's event coincides with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Air Force, which falls on Nov 11.
China's HQ-19 missile system to make debut at Zhuhai Airshow
A young businessman from Nepal, who has attended the China International Import Expo (CIIE) for five consecutive years, said that the event has boosted his sales, allowed him to tap into the vast Chinese market, and increased income for the workers from his country.
Frank, who has attended the CIIE since 2020, is selling cashmere scarves and other specialty products. He has successfully introduced his hand-woven cashmere scarves to the Chinese market through the platform.
Growing from the initial nine-square-meter booth to the current 63-square-meter space featuring two exhibition areas and a permanent exhibition hall, Frank has introduced traditional Nepalese handicrafts to Chinese consumers and enhanced the relevant industrial chain in his hometown.
"This is one of our top-selling products in China. This scarf showcases intricate craftsmanship, with a variety of colors and patterns that make it quite challenging to embroider," said Frank while presenting different cashmere scarves.
Frank first attended the CIIE in 2020, using these scarves to break into the Chinese market.
"This was the incredible surprise that the CIIE offered us. That's why we've participated every year since. It truly marked a turning point in my life," said Frank.
The vast consumption potential of the Chinese market impressed Frank, who decided to move to Shanghai after his first experience at the CIIE. His business has continued to expand over the past five years.
"Our booth size at the CIIE increases every year, from nine square meters to 18, then 36, 54, and now exceeding 60. This year, we have reached 63 square meters. Why does our booth size increase every year? Because our business grows every year," said Frank.
Not only has his booth size increased, but the volume of orders for cashmere scarves has also been rising steadily. By last year, the number of orders had surpassed 10,000, with sales exceeding 5 million yuan (nearly 700,000 U.S. dollars).
In Frank's hometown, his production team has expanded from fewer than 10 people at the beginning to over 50 last year. They have adopted a family order model for local workers, helping to boost incomes for many in the community.
"For the workers, they can manage other responsibilities at home, like taking care of children and the elderly, while still doing the job. The pay is also higher than working in a factory, so they prefer this home-based job," said Frank.
Encouraged by the strong sales and the opportunities in the Chinese market, Frank, who had previously dealt with domestic wholesalers, has come up with the idea of establishing his own Chinese brand.
"We didn't have a Chinese name before, so this year we decided on 'Nepal Yi Zang'. What does it mean? 'Yi' means all Nepalese handicrafts, while 'Zang' means treasure. Together, the name represents all Nepalese handicraft treasures," said Frank.
After five years of participating in the CIIE, what has impressed Frank the most are the opportunities the expo has brought him.
"I think the CIIE is a platform for foreign companies to access the Chinese market," said Frank.
Running from Tuesday to Sunday in Shanghai under the theme of "New Era, Shared Future," the 7th CIIE has attracted participants from 152 countries, regions, and international organizations to participate in its country exhibition and business exhibition.
CIIE helps Nepalese businessman boost sales, tap into Chinese market
