Young people from Hong Kong and Macao were exposed to China's defense and aerospace industry during a Sept 29 tour of the 13th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China).

The group of 35 were guests of the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, which planned to inspire patriotism through better awareness of overall national conditions.

Such cutting-edge air force equipment as the J-10C fighter, J-16D electronic warfare aircraft, JH-7A2 fighter-bomber, and H-6K bomber at the Static Exhibition Area was revealed to the young people.

Young people from Hong Kong and Macao pose with People's Liberation Army Air Force soldiers at Airshow China [Photo by Lin Qiqi / Guanhai App]

It was the first time for Hong Kong native Zhuang Yizhou get a close look at the strength of the motherland. He has lived in the Chinese mainland for seven years and is starting a business in Zhongshan. He said that a cozy living environment and preferential innovation and entrepreneurship policies have increased his sense of happiness, gain, and security.

Huang Jinghui, a Macao native and student at Jinan University, admired the combat capabilities of the Chinese air force after watching aerobatic flights. He plans to work in the Chinese mainland after graduation and contribute to developing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Hong Zhiyuan, a Hong Kong native and student at Shenzhen University, previously viewed such equipment only on TV. The space enthusiast said he envied the Chinese mainland friends who have joined the army. He noted that a strong military power of the motherland protects every citizen and promotes national development.