Illustration: Chen Xia/Global Times

A recent report by KOTRA, a trade facilitation body funded by the South Korean government, offers a new perspective on China's aviation industry and the C919, which is considered a symbol of China's desire to become an aviation nation. It's a much-needed wake-up call for those who hype the competition between the C919 and aircraft developed by Boeing and Airbus.

The aviation industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and is now on track to a powerful recovery. In particular, China's C919 made its international debut at the Singapore Airshow, attracting masses of visitors. KOTRA published a report on Sunday saying that South Korean companies should seize the opportunity to work with China's aviation supply chain and expand exports of aviation components to China.

US aviation giant Boeing, which has been plagued by issues involving its aircraft, is at the center of new questions after an Alaska Airlines flight carrying 177 people made an emergency landing shortly following takeoff from Portland, Oregon in January. Some observers believe Boeing's crises will be an opportunity for China's C919, and hype the competition with ulterior motives. It is a short-sighted viewpoint that will, ultimately, add more uncertainty to the global aviation industry.

The aviation industry in China has witnessed significant growth. The C919 received its production certificate in November 2022, meaning the model can enter mass production. In addition, China is one of the fastest-growing civil aviation markets in the world. As a result, Airbus broke ground on its second final assembly line in China in September 2023, as the European aircraft manufacturer seeks expansion in the Chinese market.

When asked how to view China's rapid growth in aviation, short-sighted people focus on competition, but rational people see opportunities. The KOTRA report said that China's demand for aviation components is expected to increase significantly. Meanwhile, Chinese companies may try to transfer their supply chains, which are currently centered in North America and Europe, to Asian countries, which could help ensure supply chain stability and reduce transportation costs. 

Some observers believe this may provide opportunities for South Korean companies to enhance their supply chain cooperation with China, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

KOTRA's report should sound alarm bells for Western companies if they view China's aviation industry from a competitive perspective. If they do not change their zero-sum thinking and understanding of China, their orders may be snatched by South Korean companies.

In recent years, China's high-end manufacturing industry has developed rapidly. The US-led West has been feeling the pressure from China's growth. As a result, any manufacturing industry that develops well in China will be subjected to unreasonable questioning and harassment by the US. 

The rise of trade protectionism in the US has disrupted the global industrial chain, resulting in a lose-lose outcome. Hopefully, the US-led West can realize that China's manufacturing growth drives up import demand, and therefore strengthen cooperation with China's supply chain.

Investing in China will bring huge returns and a better future, and China welcomes foreign enterprises to invest and do business in the country. KOTRA's call for South Korean companies to pay attention to China's aviation supply chains is good news. Hopefully, all countries can see this opportunity and strengthen healthy competition. 

As reported by Yonhap, South Korea's exports of "other aircraft components" to China, including aircraft wing components, increased by 53 percent year-on-year in the first 10 months in 2023, reaching $54.03 million. Supply chain cooperation has enormous potential, and the only barrier is how this potential can be explored.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn