China's Expanding Presence at Le Bourget
The 55th Paris Air Show, held at Le Bourget Airport just outside Paris, concluded on June 22, marking a significant moment for global aerospace and defense industries. This biennial event, organized by the French aerospace industry association GIFAS, is renowned as the world's largest and most prestigious gathering of its kind. In 2025, the spotlight turned sharply toward China, whose participation surged dramatically with 76 exhibitors compared to just 29 in 2023, signaling a clear intent to expand its footprint in the European and global markets.
Historically, China's presence at the Paris Air Show has been understated, often limited to a handful of state-controlled entities. However, this year's doubled participation included many first-time attendees among the Chinese companies, as reported by GIFAS. This shift underscores Beijing's strategic push to position itself as a major player in the aerospace sector, particularly in military supply and technology, amidst growing geopolitical tensions.
Military Hardware and Technological Displays
China's exhibit at the 2025 Paris Air Show featured an array of advanced military hardware, though some anticipated unveilings did not materialize. Scale models of fighter jets such as the J-35A, J-10CE, JF-17 Block III, and the KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft were showcased, drawing significant attention from international observers. Posts on X highlighted additional displays including the J-20 stealth jet, Y-20 transport aircraft, Z-20 and Z-10ME helicopters, and various drones like the Wing Loong-2H and GJ-11.
Despite the buzz around the J-10C fighter jet's European debut, it failed to appear in person at Le Bourget, leaving only scale models and unanswered questions about pricing, performance, and support capabilities. This absence was widely noted by attendees and industry analysts, yet China's overall display of aviation products was described as 'impressive' by several online commentators. The focus on fifth-generation fighter jets and cutting-edge drones emphasized Beijing's ambition to compete with Western counterparts in military technology.
Geopolitical Implications and Market Ambitions
The surge in Chinese exhibitors at the Paris Air Show reflects more than just a numerical increase; it signals a broader strategy to penetrate the European aviation supply chain and market. Reports indicate that Chinese aviation suppliers are actively 'circling for a landing' in Europe, aiming to establish partnerships and secure contracts. This comes at a time when global defense priorities are shifting, with supply chain pressures mounting amid international conflicts and economic challenges.
While Airbus clinched deals worth $20.9 billion at the show, as reported by industry sources, China's focus appeared to be on long-term positioning rather than immediate sales. A Chinese expert quoted on X stated that 'Chinese warplanes are expected to draw significant international attention,' highlighting Beijing's intent to showcase its technological prowess. As geopolitical undertones colored the event, China's bold display at Le Bourget raises questions about future collaborations and competitions in the global aerospace arena.