After 10 editions of Aero India since 1996, this will be the first time that China will participate in India’s aviation show.
For the first time in the history of India’s premier military aviation show, Aero India, China will make its debut in the event’s five-day 11th edition, starting on Tuesday, with a confirmed five-member team. Two more Chinese officials are also being considered to be the delegation, in which case the delegation would be seven-member strong.
According to defence officials, this surprise “inclusion” of the Chinese delegation had been under consideration of the defence ministry as a proactive stand taken by the Indian government.
The Chinese team – all from People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), the Chinese Air Force – will be headed by Major General Wang Qiang. part from Maj Gen Qiang, the defence officials have confirmed the delegation comprising Senior Colonel Gao Zhikuan, Col Huang Xinyang, Lt Col Jiang Jiaji and Maj Li Yiu.
The Chinese embassy in New Delhi is trying to add two more officials whose names have not yet been disclosed, but the union government is reportedly considering adding them too.
The Chinese will not be flying any aircraft at the air show, and the visit is being seen as more of an ice-breaker in the bitter-sour relations between Indian and China.
The Chinese delegation coming to Aero India is a significant development considering that China is helping Pakistan build up its Air Force with both the countries jointly developing the Joint Fighter (JF)-17 Thunder. Pakistan is also eyeing the Chinese stealth fighter Shenyang J-31, which could tip the scales in the favour of the Pakistan Air Force vis-à-vis the Indian Air Force, which hosts the Aero India shows at the Air Force Station Yelahanka.
The frequent border violations by the People’s Liberation Army troops too is an issue that has soured relations between India and China on several occasions.
The nature of the Chinese delegation’s involvement at Aero India 2017 is still not clear, but officials feel it could be more or interactions with air force delegations and aviation companies from other countries which are also visiting Aero India 2017 that will run from February 14 to 18.