China emerging as player in global arms trade

The growing sales coincide with a sharp decline in China's weapons imports, although it remains dependent on Russia for key components. — File Photo

ZHUHAI: China is emerging as a competitor in the international arms market, offering increasingly sophisticated fighter jets, missiles and equipment that are beginning to rival Russia and other longtime exporters.

With the same low-cost strategy that worked for toys and electronics, Chinese firms are targeting cost-conscious customers, albeit in an industry still dominated by the United States, Russia, France and Britain.