Track China’s ambitious aerospace advancements, from the home-grown commercial aircraft to space exploration, and their global impact.

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Uspace expects to produce and launch the remaining satellites under its “Golden Bauhinia Constellation” project before 2026. Photo: Shutterstock
Artificial intelligence

Satellite maker Uspace pivots to AI applications at new tech centre in Shenzhen

The initiative forms part of efforts to operate a network of more than 100 ‘Golden Bauhinia’ satellites above the Greater Bay Area.

China airliners

A Chinese home-grown business jet is on the way. Will it rival Gulfstream?

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China manufacturing

From steel to space: China giant sells first 2 satellites in bold pivot

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China's space programme

Explainer | Why China’s space sector is grabbing attention – including from Elon Musk

Chinese start-up LandSpace is set to launch its first reusable rocket on Saturday. If it succeeds, it will give China’s space sector a major boost.

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The Zhuque-3 rocket completes a launch test at a site in China’s northwestern Gansu province last year. The device is one of several reusable rockets under development in China. Photo: Getty Images
The Zhuque-3 rocket completes a launch test at a site in China’s northwestern Gansu province last year. The device is one of several reusable rockets under development in China. Photo: Getty Images
China airliners

Maker of China’s C919 receives capital injection amid supply chain challenges

The state-owned Comac has received more funding from its stakeholders, a timely infusion as the company attempts to clear a backlog of C919 orders.

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China airliners

China’s Comac debuts C909 surgical cabin for ‘flying hospital’ missions

The modified aircraft – dubbed a ‘milestone’ – will support a range of medical interventions, especially in poorer regions.

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China exports

China strengthens global drone dominance with record orders at Dubai Airshow

The country already dominates global patent applications for drones, one report shows, and manufacturers are rapidly expanding overseas.

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Workers prepare the EHang eVTOL EH126-S to fly in Guangzhou in southern China’s Guangdong province on November 3. Photo: AP
Workers prepare the EHang eVTOL EH126-S to fly in Guangzhou in southern China’s Guangdong province on November 3. Photo: AP
DJI

DJI locks sights on Insta360 as 360-degree drone dogfight intensifies

With both DJI’s Avata 360 and Insta360’s Antigravity A1 waiting in the wings, 360-degree drones have become the next battleground.

Made in China 2025

‘Significant gains’: US review evaluates ‘Made in China 2025’ advancements

The decade-long strategy reduces strategic vulnerabilities and strengthens geopolitical leverage, congressional report finds.

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China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

China’s chief space contractor readies plans for tourism programme

A state-owned giant is expected to unveil a space tourism package this week, with suborbital trips priced lower than US rivals SpaceX and Blue Origin.

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The primary contractor for China’s space programme is expected to announce plans for tours this week. Photo: AP
China manufacturing

Engine shortages crimp China’s C919 deliveries amid global aerospace bottleneck

State-owned planemaker deploys teams to CFM – a joint venture between GE and Safran that makes the C919’s Leap-1C engine – as suppliers race to meet demand.

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A model of GE Aerospace’s Leap-1C engine, which is used exclusively to power China’s home-grown Comac C919 aircraft, is displayed at last week’s China International Import Expo in Shanghai. Photo: Frank Chen
A model of GE Aerospace’s Leap-1C engine, which is used exclusively to power China’s home-grown Comac C919 aircraft, is displayed at last week’s China International Import Expo in Shanghai. Photo: Frank Chen
China airliners

In an international win for China’s C919, Brunei accepts Chinese aviation rules

Recognition of aviation standards, essential for entry into global markets, could pave the way for China’s jets in Southeast Asia.

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China’s C919 passenger plane

Orders of China’s C919 jet could face delays over engine supply snags

Financial reports from China’s top airlines suggest deliveries of home-grown plane could come late – potentially caused by US engine controls.

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Belt and Road Initiative

As China’s ‘Air Silk Road’ grows, can homegrown C909, C919 jets take off abroad?

Beijing plans to deepen civil aviation ties under the Belt and Road Initiative, boosting air connectivity and exporting Comac-made aircraft.

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This photo taken on March 4, 2024, shows a Chinese airplane C919 at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos. Photo: Xinhua
China airliners

China starts aviation training for Southeast Asia amid C919, home-grown jet push

China’s top civil aviation manufacturer wants to break Airbus and Boeing’s grip on global industry – and Asean is its biggest overseas market.

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A C919 passenger plane of China Commercial Aircraft Corporation performs a flight show at the Singapore Air Show on February 20, 2024. Photo: Xinhua
A C919 passenger plane of China Commercial Aircraft Corporation performs a flight show at the Singapore Air Show on February 20, 2024. Photo: Xinhua
Aerospace: Geopolitics

China races to roll out low-orbit satellite internet to rival Musk’s Starlink

China is preparing to commercialise its satellite internet networks as it strives to develop equivalents to the SpaceX system.

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Robotics

Drone leader DJI’s latest challenger is a Chinese robot vacuum maker

Dreame reportedly recruits talent from DJI and Meituan, while advertising a range of drone-related job openings.

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Shenzhen

Insta360’s Antigravity unveils 8K full-degree drone, challenging DJI

Weighing 249 grams, the A1 drone is set to hit global markets in January.

Antigravity A1 is the first product launched by Insta360’s drone brand. Photo: Handout
Antigravity A1 is the first product launched by Insta360’s drone brand. Photo: Handout
IPO

Rocketing to riches: China’s cash-hungry aerospace firms aim for IPOs

Bolstered by improved market sentiment, LandSpace and others seek funding in onshore markets to fuel growth.

US-China trade war

Why America’s brute-force effort on rare earths may not work against China

China spent decades carving out a commanding lead in the rare earth realm. Now the US wants its old piece of the supply chain back – is it still within reach?

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China airliners

Explainer | From nose to tail, how China is reshaping the aviation supply chain

Recent achievements show Beijing’s efforts to localise the components of its planes have not abated in the wake of the C919’s success.

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The licencing of the AES100 turboshaft engine is one of several recent milestones in China’s campaign to localise its aviation supply chain. Photo: Xinhua
DJI

Insta360’s Antigravity challenges DJI with 8K 360-degree drone

The Chinese company’s product, to be unveiled in August, is set to be the first ‘360 drone’ for consumers.

Antigravity, a new brand under Insta360, is set to unveil its first product. Photo: Handout
Antigravity, a new brand under Insta360, is set to unveil its first product. Photo: Handout
Science

Exclusive | Trouble in orbit? China’s Starlink rival faces long delays amid rocket shortage

A shortage of rockets and competition for launch resources appear to be putting the mega-constellation’s targets in doubt.

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China-EU relations

Airbus signs fresh deal with Chinese partner amid talk of massive China order

Airbus will localise more production of its A321 jet in China as part of the agreement, which comes just ahead of a key China-EU summit.

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US-China relations

Trump wants to ground China’s drones – but have they flown too high to reach?

An executive order to limit China’s market penetration and boost the US’ capacity in drones might be too little, too late.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
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