CLL Global Research Foundation

The progress of the Chinese commercial aviation and aerospace industry has emerged as a determining factor in the reconfiguration of global economic competition.Following the trend of the automotive industry, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, where it holds a leading position, China decisively moves forward in the market with favourable conditions and comparative advantages.Commercial airlines expand their fleets to meet growing demand, especially in emerging markets.The expansion in design, manufacturing, and certification of the models of the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd. - (COMAC) family of aircraft marks a turning point in a sector dominated by Western manufacturers, posing both challenges and opportunities.China has designed a global strategy to position itself as a central player in strategic sectors of geopolitics and the global economy.Despite the progress achieved, it still depends on technological components of Western origin for the manufacture of its aircraft.The restrictions imposed by the United States of America (US) and other Western nations, contrary to their initial purpose of hindering the advancement of high-end Chinese industry, have driven greater investment in innovation, research, and development, favouring the creation of local alternatives that allow the production of 100% Chinese aircraft.This process has strong government support and a strategic investment policy in aerospace technology.Many appear to be underestimating China's capabilities and determination.They even labelled COMAC a minor league player in the aerospace industry, downplaying the achieved progress.That may have been true until 2023, but today's reality is quite different.The reputational factor and the reliability of its aircraft are key factors for China's consolidation in the commercial aviation industry, positioning it as a viable and competitive alternative to Western manufacturers.

This paper aims to examine the involvement and influence of religious non-state actors (RNAs) in the decision-making processes of United States foreign policy. It aims to provide insights into the reasons, mechanisms, and circumstances that lead such entities to engage in foreign policy and influence state actions. Principally utilizing primary sources, it presents original data with a unique glimpse into the strategies employed by RNAs. The paper shows that RNAs can informally but significantly participate in foreign policy decision-making by spotlighting a less-researched area that exists alongside formal initiatives.