President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on Aug 28 made important instructions on the development of China’s aviation engines industry, on the heels of the establishment of the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) in Beijing.

President Xi called for acceleration in independent research, development and manufacturing of aircraft engines and gas turbines, to make China a power in aviation industry.

The establishment of the firm is a strategic move that will be conducive to enhancing the national power as well as the capacity of the armed forces, he said in a written instruction.

Premier Li called for innovative ideas and craftsmanship in aviation engines industry, and urged the establishment of independent key technology by sticking to opening up and learning from foreign experiences. “Aviation engine industry will serve not only national defense, but will also be a new growth engine and boost healthy development of real economy,” he said in the instruction.