A 14-year-old boy from China's Hainan Island has drawn public attention for reportedly handcrafting a turbojet engine in his family's living room. State media outlets have portrayed Che Jingang as a self-taught engineer, with his mother's social media account boasting 30,000 followers. The teenager, who calls himself 'rocket boy,' dismisses skepticism about his skills.
Che Jingang, a 14-year-old from southern China's Hainan Island, began self-studying calculus and aerodynamics since Primary Three. His passion for 'everything that flies' led him to handcraft turbojet engines in his family's living room, as shown in videos posted on social media.
The account, managed by his mother, has 30,000 followers. In the videos, he explains the manufacturing and testing processes using technical jargon and hashtags himself as 'rocket boy.' Several state media outlets have reported on him as a self-taught engineer, sparking heated online discussions about the authenticity of his abilities.
Che brushes off skepticism, stating he is not afraid to fail. His enthusiasm drives him forward amid doubts from commenters questioning his knowledge and project legitimacy.
His parents back his endeavors; his father has worked on aerospace projects, though the boy insists on his independent achievements.