In May 1997, during the visit of French President Jacques Chirac to China, Aviation Industries of China (AVIC), Singapore Technologies Aerospace (STAe), Airbus and Alenia signed a framework agreement that outlined the development of aircraft in the 100-seat range.
En maio de 1997, durante a visita do presidente francés Jacques Chirac a China, Aviation Industries of China (AVIC), Singapore Technologies Aerospace (STAe), Airbus e Alenia asinaron un acordo marco que describía o desenvolvemento dun avión no rango dos 100 asentos.