"The fleet of Chinese large aircraft continues to expand," said Tang Changhong, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and chief designer of China's Y-20 strategic transport plane.
According to Tang, this year marks the 10th anniversary of Y-20's maiden flight and the aircraft has been to Europe, Africa and Oceania. The colossal plane has become a symbol of China's power, he said.
China's domestically designed jetliner, C919, is another token of the rising status of the nation's aviation manufacturing sector, Tang said.
Tang Changhong was interviewed ahead of the opening of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, on Saturday.