C919 – China's Strategy to Build Self-Sufficient Aviation Supply Chain Amid Sanctions Pressure

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## Overview A leading Chinese aviation engineer, Zhang Yanzhong, senior academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and former chief scientist of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), published a detailed blueprint in May 2026 for building a fully self-sufficient supply chain for large passenger jets (SCMP, May 25). ## Key Findings from Zhang's Blueprint ### Acknowledged Vulnerability Zhang acknowledged a "very real risk" that China could be cut off entirely from Western-made aircraft components — a significant admission from someone described as the "father of China's large aircraft" (SCMP, May 25). ### Strategic Objectives The blueprint calls for: - Domestic sourcing of all critical aircraft components and subsystems - Development of indigenous avionics, engines, and materials science capabilities - Accelerated certification programs for domestically developed parts ### EASA Certification Progress Separate reporting (existing wiki context) indicates the C919 is pursuing EASA certification, which is critical for international commercial viability but creates a paradox — Western certification may conflict with the goal of Western-independent supply chains. ## Geopolitical Context - US export controls on aviation components have been tightened as part of the broader technology decoupling strategy - COMAC, the C919 manufacturer, faces constraints from engine dependency on CFM International (a GE-Safran joint venture) - The WS-20 indigenous engine program is the primary domestic alternative being accelerated - VietJet Air's agreement to lease Comac C909 aircraft signals growing Southeast Asian commercial interest ## Strategic Significance - The blueprint signals that China is preparing for a scenario where US/EU aviation component exports are fully blocked - Aviation supply chain self-sufficiency would take a decade or more to achieve, creating a period of structural vulnerability - The strategy has implications for aerospace IP — China will need to develop or acquire (licitly or illicitly) substantial proprietary technology - Practitioners advising aerospace clients on export compliance should expect tightening controls on components with C919 dual-use potential ## Key Figures - **Zhang Yanzhong**: CAE Senior Academician, former AVIC Chief Scientist, author of the blueprint (SCMP, May 25)