Aerobatics show by PAF cancelled

The aerobatics show, scheduled to be staged by the famous aerobatics team with French Air Force, "Patrouille de France (PAF)", was canceled because of low visibility and heavy fog here Thursday, said the organizer.

Zhou Bo, an officer with Chinese Defense Ministry, expressed regret about the cancellation of the event, saying aerobatics show requires strict weather condition, but the current weather could not meet the minimum meteorological need.

The canceling of aerobatics display would not alter the following scheduled shows in China's other cities or the other activities of French Culture Year, said Zhou.

The French Culture Year, which will last from October, 2004 to July, 2005, will bring more than 180 cultural activities to China, unfolding French diverse culture.

Besides Beijing, the PAF troupe is planned to visit Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Zhuhai, a coastal city of south China's Guangdong Province, and Hong Kong on the occasion of French President Jacques Chirac's state visit to China from Oct.8 to 12.

The sponsor also extended apology to approximately 50 thousand audience for the cancellation, hoping that the audience could enjoy themselves by watching the aerobatics show in Wuhan.