It appeared that organizers took special care to avoid a political faux pas with mainland China yesterday, exerting direct control over at least one company’s exhibit.
“A few days ago, we were told that we could not show our symbol on the stand,” Chii-Ming Yao, the senior manager for technology and service for Taiwan’s AIDC told AIN. Similarly, he could not hand out brochures. “Our logo, although it is not even a reminder of the [Republic of China’s] flag, was barred by the organizers,” he explained.
The People’s Republic does not recognize Taiwan as an independent state and considers it part of mainland China.
AIDC has produced 63 examples of the self-developed AT-3 advanced jet trainer and 130 of the IDF fighter. In addition, it has co-produced 118 UH-1H helicopters with Bell.
Recent co-developments include the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter’s cockpit, an Airbus A321 fuselage barrel and the Bombardier Learjet 45 business jet’s empennage.