The 11th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition got underway on Tuesday in the southern city of Zhuhai in Guangdong province. The event runs until November 6. One of the highlights this year is the public debut of J-20 stealth fighter.

The latest J-20 stealth fighter jet during a demonstration flight at Air Show China in Zhuhai city, South China's Guangdong province, on Nov 1, 2016. The J-20 stealth fighter jet is said to be the third stealth fighter jet in the world to be used after the United States' F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/China Daily]

Airshow China opened with a 40-minute flight demonstration by China’s aerobatic team “August 1st”. But it was the long-awaited debut of the new J-20 stealth fighter which stole the spotlight. It is China’s first long-range, radar-evading combat aircraft, breaking the U.S. monopoly in stealth fighters.

“We aim to construct a powerful air force that adapts to China’s power status. I hope the show can bring confidence to people and air force itself,” said Shen Jinke, China Air Force spokesperson.

Following the Chinese aerobatics team were its foreign counterparts, including “Knights” and “Swifts” from Russia, the UK’s “Red Arrows” and “Sherdil” from Pakistan.

Held every two years since its launch in 1996, the airshow has become one of the most important meetings in China for global plane makers and buyers. The airshow is not only about flight demonstrations, there are also 11 exhibition venues. Seven hundred exhibitors from more than 40 countries are coming to show their cutting-edge products.

Nearly half of the aviation equipment is on public display for the first time, including civil aircraft, high-end drones, and key military products such as defense systems and high-tech weapons. The exhibition is seen as a showcase of China’s achievements in aviation and aerospace modernization.