They have proven it over the years, especially on the world business stage, with Chinese companies becoming dominant global players in various sectors.

Now, they are facing their toughest test.

China has set its sights on commercial aeroplane manufacturing – a sector that has arguably more hurdles and stumbling blocks than any other.

“The barriers to entry in commercial aircraft manufacturing are extremely high, and they are not just technological,” says Richard Bitzinger, a senior fellow at S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.