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ZHUHAI (China): China intends to purchase Su-33 Naval Flanker ship-borne fighters from Russia, but negotiations on this issue are still at the preliminary stage, a government official said Wednesday at China's largest air show.
Alexander Denisov, a high-ranking military and technical official, is heading Russia's delegation at Airshow China 2006.
The huge five-day exhibition which began Tuesday at Zhuhai, near Hong Kong, has attracted aircraft makers from 18 countries, seeking lucrative contracts on the booming Chinese market.
Denisov said, “Each party has the right to purchase what it needs to protect its national interests, and the Chinese side intends to buy Su-33 aircraft; but negotiations are still at the preliminary stage.”
“Russia is ready to supply all armaments and hardware its enterprises are developing, and will hold negotiations, if the Chinese side expresses such a wish,” Denisov said.
However, the official denied media reports claiming that Russia has sold, or intends to sell, Su-27 Flanker fighters to Taiwan.
More than 50 Russian defense companies, including Sukhoi and MiG, are presenting fighter planes, helicopters, and military technology at the air show in China, along with civilian aircraft makers. Aircraft maker Tupolev said it expects to sell two cargo planes to China this year and three next year, while Ilyushin said it plans to deliver at least three planes at the end of 2008.
Alexander Denisov said Russia is ready to help China design an aircraft carrier if asked.
“Such a request would not contradict any international agreements or rules. Such cooperation is possible,” he said.
Chinese media have previously discussed building an aircraft carrier, claiming that China could use the former Soviet carrier Varyag, which was sold to China in the late 1990s, as a basis to design its own model.
However, China's military have repeatedly denied the country's plans to build an aircraft carrier.
