No entry for Chinese! Visitors from China denied access to Airbus military plane at Singapore airshow
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Claims of Denial
Visitors from China attending an airshow in Singapore have alleged they were barred from boarding an Airbus military aircraft, prompting an apology from the aviation.
Viral Controversy
According to BBC, the incident gained traction on Chinese social media platforms, drawing ire towards Airbus and Germany's military, which owns the aircraft in question.
Airbus Apology
Airbus issued an apology, expressing regret for any inconvenience caused by the incident at the Singapore Airshow, one of the region's premier showcases for commercial and military aviation.
Video Evidence
A video circulated widely on social media, depicting a Chinese visitor being denied entry to an Airbus A400M transport plane by an individual wearing Airbus identification, citing the aircraft's German ownership.
Authenticity Confirmation
Examination of the video, including background details and the woman's identification, suggests its authenticity, corroborating claims made by other Chinese visitors regarding similar experiences.
Online Complaints
Several Chinese visitors recounted their alleged encounters of being refused access to the military aircraft, with one individual lodging a formal complaint alleging discrimination against Chinese nationals.
Airbus Response
In response to queries, Airbus acknowledged the concerns raised by visitors and swiftly collaborated with the customer and their teams to ensure unrestricted access to the A400M aircraft for the remainder of the airshow.
Broader Implications
The incident underscores broader tensions surrounding Chinese access to Western military technology, amidst heightened European apprehension regarding the potential militarization of Chinese technological advancements.