Chinese Defence Exports: Arms, Alliances, and a New Order

The once unshakeable dominance of American and Russian military hardware in the global arena is facing an unprecedented challenge. What was once primarily a commercial decision for nations acquiring defence systems has morphed into a complex geopolitical calculus, with new military hardware suppliers emerging to reshape the international balance of power. This diversification, expanding from commercial to military and wartime systems, is not merely about cost or technological specifications, it is a profound declaration of trust, reflecting deepening alignments within international bloc politics and rivalries.

At the heart of this evolving landscape lies China, steadily solidifying its position as a formidable alternative to traditional arms purveyors. Recent regional conflicts have provided a stark demonstration of this shift, where Chinese systems have not only challenged but, in some cases, outright replaced American and Russian hardware. For nations, the adoption of Chinese alternatives signals a strategic pivot, often away from the gravitational pull of Western or Russian spheres of influence. This is a deliberate choice, signalling a recalibration of international relationships and a re-evaluation of security paradigms.

Pakistan: A Deepening Strategic Partnership

Nowhere is this trend more pronounced than in Pakistan, which stands as China’s most significant arms client. An astonishing 80% of Pakistan’s military hardware is sourced from China, a testament to a deeply entrenched strategic partnership. This extensive collaboration spans across all branches of Pakistan’s armed forces. In the air, the Pakistan Air Force operates a formidable fleet of JF-17 Thunder and J-10C fighter jets, with future plans already solidified for the acquisition of the advanced J-35A stealth fighter. This airpower, meticulously developed and integrated with Chinese assistance, proved its mettle in recent engagements. The synergy between Pakistani tactical prowess and the robust performance of these platforms highlighted the maturity of China’s aerospace technology.

During the recent conflict with India, Pakistan’s reliance on its Chinese-supplied arsenal yielded notable results. Reports suggest that Chinese-made systems played a crucial role in Pakistan’s defensive and retaliatory actions. The JF-17 Thunder and J-10C fighter jets, equipped with advanced PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, were instrumental in engaging and downing multiple Indian aircraft, including the advanced Rafale jets. This outcome represents a significant validation of Chinese aerospace technology against a leading Western-made platform.The synergy between Pakistani tactical prowess and the robust performance of these platforms highlighted the maturity of China’s aerospace technology.

Furthermore, Pakistan’s layered air defence network, heavily reliant on Chinese systems like the long-range HQ-9, medium-range LY-80, and short-range FM-90, performed commendably. These systems, working in concert, demonstrated their capability to track and intercept incoming threats, contributing to Pakistan’s overall defensive posture. The effectiveness of these integrated air defense assets in blunting Indian strikes underlined the growing sophistication and reliability of Chinese military hardware in a real-world combat scenario.

The modernization of Pakistan’s naval and land forces also bears the indelible mark of Chinese cooperation. The Pakistan Navy is progressively upgrading its fleet with Chinese-built Type-054A/P frigates and Type-041 Yuan-class submarines, significantly enhancing its maritime defence capabilities. On land, the acquisition of VT-4 (also known as Haider) main battle tanks, alongside various advanced artillery and missile systems such as the SH-15 howitzers and A-100E MLRS, has demonstrably bolstered Pakistan’s ground combat strength. China’s assistance in developing indigenous guided MLRS (Fatah-1/2) and ballistic missiles underscores a deeper, more collaborative relationship aimed at fostering Pakistan’s self-reliance in defense technology.

Bangladesh and Beyond: Expanding Chinese Influence

Beyond Pakistan, Bangladesh has emerged as another significant customer for Chinese military hardware. From 2019 to 2023, Bangladesh was the second-largest buyer of Chinese weapons, accounting for 11% of China’s total arms sales and procuring approximately 72% of its total arms from China during that period, making it the 26th largest arms buyer globally. Bangladesh’s naval fleet has been bolstered by Type 035G Ming-class submarines (BNS Nabajatra, BNS Joyjatra) and Type 056 corvettes. Its air force operates F-7BGI fighter jets, with a potential future acquisition of the J-10CE, mirroring Pakistan’s strategic aerial choices. The Bangladesh Army has also acquired Chinese MBT-2000 and VT-5 tanks, while its air defence capabilities have been strengthened with HQ-17AE and FK-3 systems.

The shift towards Chinese weaponry extends beyond these two South Asian nations, with countries like Nigeria, Algeria, and others increasingly turning to Beijing for their defense needs. This growing list of clients underscores a broader trend of diversification in the global arms trade, driven by geopolitical considerations and a desire for alternatives to established suppliers.

Perhaps one of the most compelling recent illustrations of this geopolitical realignment came from Iran. During a recent conflict, Iran’s decision to utilise the Chinese navigation system Beidou and disengage from the US-led GPS was a powerful symbolic and practical step. This move unequivocally signaled a strategic distancing from the American sphere of influence and a deepening embrace of a multipolar world order. It also threw into stark relief the limitations of relying on older, non-integrated systems. While Iran showcased its commitment to a non-Western-aligned future, its existing local and older Russian air defence systems unfortunately demonstrated significant vulnerabilities during the same conflict. Their performance was notably subpar, failing to effectively counter incoming threats and highlighting the critical need for modern, integrated, and reliable defence infrastructure, a need that Chinese systems are increasingly fulfilling for various nations.

The Plan: Integration of Defence, Economy and Diplomacy

The recent conflicts serve as a potent reminder, the global military hardware market is undergoing a profound transformation, moving towards an increasingly multipolar landscape. Nations are no longer content with limited options, instead making conscious choices that reflect their evolving geopolitical allegiances and security priorities. China, with its rapidly advancing defense technology, competitive pricing, and willingness to engage in deeper strategic partnerships, has firmly established itself as a significant and compelling alternative to established powers.

This burgeoning diversification in military hardware suppliers has far-reaching implications, promising to reshape not only future conflicts but also the intricate web of international power dynamics for decades to come. The era of a few dominant arms dealers is fading, replaced by a more complex, nuanced, and strategically charged global arms market. Countries increasingly acquiring Chinese weaponry, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and various African and Central Asian nations, are simultaneously deepening their diplomatic and economic cooperation with Beijing.

This extends beyond mere transactions, it signifies a broader geopolitical alignment. Many of these nations are integral to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an ambitious infrastructure and economic development program that fosters strong trade ties, investments, and connectivity. By offering accessible defence technology alongside significant economic opportunities and diplomatic support, China cultivates comprehensive partnerships that challenge traditional power structures. These relationships often come with fewer political conditions compared to Western suppliers, making China an attractive partner for states seeking to assert greater autonomy. This interwoven approach of defence, diplomacy, and economic collaboration demonstrates a strategy by China to expand its global influence and establish a new world order based on mutual interests and shared development goals.