In China, drones, not jets, are the stars

Founded in 2006, DJI has grown to account for more than 70% of the global market, according to Skylogic Research

Need more evidence that China is a global force in technology? Just listen for the low whine of tiny propellers.And look up.

At the World Fly-In Expo, an air show held in the central Chinese city of Wuhan last month, jets, hot air balloons, autogiros and ultralight planes were upstaged by Chinese-made drones.

Remote-controlled flying machines drew crowds at exhibition booths and performed in tight formation, high above the ground. Teams in brightly coloured jackets raced industrial drones and competed in events like delivering parcels and spraying plumes of mock pesticide.

Special drones even helped clear the skies of birds before performances by