ZHUHAI, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China), which started Tuesday in the southern port city of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

China has been committed to advancing the development of aviation and aerospace technology with other countries, Xi said in the letter read by Li Xi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, at the opening ceremony.

Xi said the exhibition will vigorously promote the development of the world's aviation and aerospace technology, intensify international exchange and cooperation, and make people around the world benefit from achievements in the field.

Airshow China is an international aerospace trade show that has been held since 1996.