On the final trade day of the Zhuhai Air Show in China, November 14, 2024, Sergei Shoigu, the Secretary of Russia's Security Council, made a notable appearance, highlighting the enduring military and strategic cooperation between Russia and China. The Zhuhai Air Show, also known as Airshow China, is a biennial event showcasing aerospace technology and military hardware, and this year's focus was decidedly on military advancements, with commercial aviation taking a backseat. Shoigu's visit comes at a time when Russia is seeking to strengthen its international ties amidst Western sanctions due to its military actions in Ukraine.
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His presence at the air show underscored the importance of the Sino-Russian partnership, especially in the defense and aerospace sectors. During his tour, Shoigu inspected various military technologies, including China's independently developed fifth-generation fighter jets, the J-20S and J-35A, which are seen as competitors to the latest U.S. stealth fighters. At the exhibition, Shoigu also learned about China's naval capabilities, visiting booths that displayed models of China's aircraft carrier Liaoning and its amphibious assault formations. This aspect of his visit reflects Russia's interest in China's naval advancements, particularly given Russia's own naval modernization efforts.
The air show was not only a venue for showcasing military prowess but also a platform for diplomatic engagements. Shoigu's discussions with Chinese officials likely included topics on military cooperation, strategic security, and possibly arms trade, although specific details of such talks were not disclosed. The Zhuhai event also witnessed the presence of other international delegations, including from Saudi Arabia, indicating China's growing influence in global aerospace.
The visit by Shoigu, who was once Russia's Defense Minister, is particularly significant as it occurs during a period of strained relations with many Western countries. It serves as a reminder of the strategic alignment between Russia and China, both of whom have found common ground in opposing certain aspects of Western foreign policy. This alignment was further symbolized by the display of the Russian Su-57 stealth jet, which made its first foreign demonstration at the show, marking a new chapter in the display of Russian military technology abroad.