J-10 aerobatic fighter jets of the People's Liberation Army Air Force perform at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, on Tuesday. ZHANG WEI / CHINA DAILY

President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China remains committed to promoting development in aviation and aerospace technologies with other countries, allowing people around the world to share the benefits of such progress.

Mankind has yearned to explore the vast skies since ancient times, and Chinese have passed on their dreams of flying for generations, Xi said in a congratulatory letter to the opening ceremony of the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

The letter was read by Li Xi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, at the opening ceremony on Tuesday.

Over the ages, aviation and aerospace technologies have seen great achievements, helping facilitate the progress of human civilization, Xi said. In the future, development in aviation and aerospace technologies will bring more prosperity to mankind, he added.

Xi said that China has always worked with other countries to promote the development of aviation and aerospace technologies.

After over 20 years of hard work, the exhibition has become one of the most influential aviation and aerospace-related events, he said.

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

The exhibition has been held since 1996, and this year's event will last from Tuesday to Sunday, with more than 700 companies from over 40 countries and regions participating.