The Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense (COSTIND) is for the first time participating at the China Hi-Tech Fair in Shenzhen, showcasing some 500 of its new technologies.

Most of the exhibited products are for civilian use, including civilian spaceships, civilian nuclear technology, and electronic information systems.

The commission called upon 18 relevant organizations to join the fair, forming a delegation team of COSTIND. The organizations include the China National Nuclear Corporation, the China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation, and Beijing Aeronautics and Astronautics University.

People can for the first time view the latest technologies never before seen by the public including the ARJ121 series of aircraft, each comprised of 10 to 100 seats.

The turbofan regional aircraft as well as medium and short range regional jet series have been designed by Chinese with complete independent intellectual property rights.

The first flight test for the series will be in 2008. One sample jet is being displayed at the fair.

Another new invention is the torches for the Beijing Olympic Games.

According to Games' plan, the route of the Olympic torch will pass Mount Qomolangma.

To ensure the flame can withstand low-pressure conditions, strong winds, and low-temperatures, the organizing committee commissioned the COSTIND to invent a new technology.

Hu Yafeng, deputy secretary -general of the COSTIND, said the goal of their participation was to inform the public that they were producing more civilian technologies for peaceful use.

Back in 1978, the output of civilian products among all national defense products was less than 10 percent. As of last year, the proportion had risen to 65 percent.

Hu said the current national defense industry could produce more than 10,000 different kinds of civilian products.

Meanwhile, the national defense industry has created a lot of equipment for public security, such as surveillance and anti-terrorist technologies.

The COSTIND will hold a forum on the peaceful utilization of the military industry, and a contract signing ceremony for corporations investing in the national defense industry in coming days at the fair.

(China Daily October 12, 2007)