German media: Rapidly rising Chinese arms industry

The "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" has paid attention to the development of China's arms industry, considering that the relatively low price of Chinese arms makes them increasingly attractive in politically complex or financially limited countries.

An analysis article published by the "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" pointed out that after news spread about a suspected incident where a Chinese-made J-10 fighter was rumored to have shot down an Indian Air Force French "Rafale" fighter during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, Beijing's presence in the global arms market seemed to suddenly increase. With the advantage of price, political "neutrality," and continuous military technological progress, Chinese arms provide developing countries with an alternative option without Western-style political conditions attached. The article titled "Cheap, Effective, and Unconditional Chinese Arms" reads:

"For Chinese experts, the suspected event where Pakistan Air Force's Chinese J-10 fighter shot down an Indian Air Force French 'Rafale' fighter is undoubtedly a significant milestone in China's arms sector. Retired Brigadier General and senior Chinese military commentator Zhou Bo wrote: 'This is the first round of competition between Chinese and Western weapon systems.'

Security expert Yi Wushuang from Tsinghua University also pointed out that for China, this 'accidental practical demonstration' of the J-10 fighter is a testament to decades of efforts toward modernizing its military: 'Countries once dependent on expensive Western systems now have a viable alternative without the political conditions often attached to Western arms deals.' Retired officer Zhou Bo even boldly predicted: 'The future international arms market will be dominated by two countries: the United States and China.'

"China has achieved self-sufficiency in arms production."

However, the analysis article in the "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" also pointed out that to jointly dominate the international arms market with the United States, Beijing still has a long way to go. Currently, China accounts for only 5.9% of the international arms market, which is less than one-seventh of the U.S. share. Moreover, two-thirds of China's arms exports are concentrated in one country: Pakistan:

"Almost all of Pakistan's advanced weapons come from China, with Beijing accounting for over 80% of Pakistan's arms imports.

The advantage of procuring arms from one country lies in better coordination among various weapon systems. Experts pointed out that this might be the key to Pakistan's excellent performance in the May 7 aerial battle: fighters, drones, aerial reconnaissance, and air defense systems could collaborate effectively, and all these devices are 'Made in China.'

China not only provides Pakistan with air force equipment but also equips its army with main battle tanks and self-propelled howitzers, while its navy owns Chinese-made frigates and submarines. This demonstrates Beijing's comprehensive production capabilities in the arms sector. Over the past few decades, China's pursuit of military autonomy has borne fruit. Nowadays, the People's Liberation Army almost no longer imports any weapons; the domestic arms manufacturing system can fully meet the needs...

In the initial stages of its military modernization efforts, China mainly replicated weapon systems from Russia. Now, Beijing has acquired the capability to independently develop and produce modern weapons. It is reported that China is currently developing two sixth-generation fighters simultaneously. Other countries are also developing such futuristic aircraft because they possess powerful reconnaissance capabilities, long-range missile systems, and are nearly undetectable by enemy radar.

Falling demand for Russian arms

The "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" noted that the suspected case of a Chinese fighter shooting down a Western fighter provided China with a rare opportunity to enhance the attractiveness of its arms in the international market. Additionally, due to the drag of the Ukraine war, there are big question marks over whether Russian arms exports can fulfill orders on time. Furthermore, the subpar performance of Russian arms on the Ukrainian battlefield has dampened many countries' enthusiasm for purchasing Russian weapons.

"Compared with Western arms suppliers, China has a significant advantage in that it rarely raises any questions when exporting arms.

A report by the German think tank Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) pointed out that Chinese arms companies usually do not require customers to provide 'end-use certificates.' In contrast, Western suppliers request such documents to ensure that sold weapons will not be resold to other parties.

Nevertheless, China's arms will long remain unable to enter a series of important arms markets, including those of America's allies, NATO countries, Australia, Japan, or South Korea. Countries like India and the Philippines will also likely reject purchasing Chinese arms. However, in Africa, Latin America, Oceania, the Middle East, and some Asian countries, Chinese arms will still find sufficient opportunities. Beijing has already established close trade relations with many countries in the aforementioned regions, making it relatively easy for Chinese arms to enter related countries."

Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832755954886793/

Disclaimer: The article represents the views of the author alone.