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Chinese military hardware draws interest from the Middle East at air show
Countries have been balancing traditional security partnerships with the US with increasing ties with China
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Chinese military hardware is getting plenty of attention at the country’s biggest air show this week, particularly from Middle Eastern buyers seeking to replace and add to their US-made weapons.
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The biennial air show, which has been under way in the southern city of Zhuhai since Tuesday, has also provided a rare international stage for Russia to showcase its defence capabilities and products, including its most advanced stealth fighter.
The event runs until Sunday and has drawn visitors from the Middle East – including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Iran – as well as from Southeast Asian and African nations.
An employee of state-owned defence group Norinco, or China North Industries Group Corporation, said the Middle East “has increasingly turned to the East in recent years, and now we have more opportunities”.
The Zhuhai air show has been held since 1996 and is now one of Asia’s largest defence exhibitions – a chance for China to display its newest technologies to international clients as well as rivals.
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China’s biggest air show in Zhuhai features new fighter jets and helicopters
China’s biggest air show in Zhuhai features new fighter jets and helicopters
Last time it was held, in 2022, the event generated US$39.8 billion in foreign trade, including both civilian and military sales.
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