China has introduced a new state-owned aircraft engine maker called Aero Engine Corp. of China (AECC) to decrease its dependence on Western suppliers for its aviation industry.

The Chinese government aims to build world-class aircraft engines to fulfill its ambitions of developing homegrown aerospace giants and becoming a major player in global aviation. President Xi Jinping said that the firm is a strategic move because it would accelerate the development of indigenously made jet engines and thereby boost national prestige and military power, CNN Money reported. 

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“We will try to find a path along which we can make independent innovation in conducting fundamental research, making breakthroughs in key technology and producing strategic aircraft engines,” said Liu Tingyi, president of the Chinese Aeronautical Establishment.

China’s cabinet, Beijing municipal government, along with the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China, and Commercial Aircraft Corp of China have invested in AECC, according to Yahoo. The firm has a 50 billion yuan ($7 billion) capital and will have 96,000 employees. AECC will focus on developing both military and commercial jet engines. 

Premier Li Keqiang said aircraft engines are sophisticated products in the equipment manufacturing industry. Making breakthroughs in this area as soon as possible would have great value for improving China's economic and military power and national strength, he said.

Currently, China buys commercial aircraft engines from General Electric and United Technologies' Pratt & Whitney, both American companies. The establishment of AECC would help China reduce its reliance on foreign producers and potentially develop a self-sufficient aerospace sector to meet the requirements of its domestic commercial and military aviation.

AECC is just one of China’s recent moves towards technological advancement and independence. The Chinese government will unveil at least 100 key projects over the next 15 years to increase the country's technological capability and improve the livelihoods of citizens, according to the 13th Five-Year Plan unveiled earlier this year. Aviation engines and gas turbines were listed among the top 10 of 100 projects.

Tagschina, aircraft engine, global aviation, aviation, President Xi Jinping, Aero Engine Corp. of China, AECC, Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China, General Electric, United Technologies' Pratt & Whitney, aircraft, jet engine, Fighter Jets