The Third China International Defense Electronics Exhibition (CIDEX2002) opened Monday with the latest technology and devices from over 200 companies and institutes around the world.

The four-day show is being organized by the China National Electronics Import and Export Corp. (CEIEC) and the Beijing Xinlong Electronics Technology Company, Ltd.

Qian Benyuan, president of CEIEC, said that electronic technology, which can be applied to the defense field, will become vital in future wars. CIDEX is expected to provide a valuable opportunity for strengthening international exchanges and cooperation, noted Qian.

The event has attracted big organizations in the field including British Jane's Information Group, American Agilent Technologies Co., Ltd., AC Power Electronic Co., Ltd. and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.

Andrew Charles Vasko, Jane's Information Manager, Asia, said that in the future China will cooperate more still with other nations in the field of electronic technology for both military and civilian use. He also hopes to make closer ties with the Chinese media and publishers.

CIDEX, a two-yearly event which began in 1998, brings together companies from such countries as China, Germany, Israel, Italy, the U.S., and Britain.

( April 2, 2002)