China supports domestic airlines for global alliances as China Eastern joins SkyTeam

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang stated the Chinese government supports domestic airlines joining global alliances and encouraged the nation's airlines to learn from other airlines to improve services and management in order to be more competitive in the global market. The civilian global aviation industry plays a fundamental and strategic role in China's economy, and the government will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with alliances and foreign airlines to promote its rapid development, Mr Zhang said.