US export controls: a delay, but not a grounding, for China's aircraft engines
Washington's technology-export restrictions targeting Chinese plane makers this week will delay China's jet engine indigenisation process in the near term, but any setback will only harden resolve in Beijing for tech self-reliance to test and launch a home-grown engine, analysts said on Friday.
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United States officials have reportedly suspended some sales of technologies linked to jet engines that could be built for Chinese state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China's (Comac) civilian aircraft.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs pushed back at the US engine controls on Friday, with spokesman Lin Jian accusing the US of 'maliciously blocking and suppressing China'.
'We firmly oppose this and will resolutely safeguard our legitimate rights and interests,' Lin said at a regular news briefing.
Analysts said China will devote more resources to develop a home-grown jet aircraft engine within the next two to three years, while the giant Shanghai-based manufacturer that aims to someday rival multinationals Airbus and Boeing for world market share may be forced to slow the production of aircraft.
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China's C919, its first single-aisle passenger jet, has been in commercial operation for just two years.
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