Rising tensions in the Middle East despite the fragile ceasefire agreement in Gaza are continuing to fuel demands for arms in a region where China has emerged as a major supplier.
As well as supplying drones and missiles, China is looking to expand its offering into advanced weapons systems, such as fighter jets, but is facing increasing competition from a near neighbour: South Korea.
While both have opportunities to expand arms exports, analysts said South Korea was relatively better positioned because prospective customers had to take into account political concerns about buying from China as well as the need to integrate them with existing weapons systems.
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Last month’s Dubai Airshow, the largest event of its kind in the Middle East, featured models of Chinese warplanes – including the J-10CE and fifth-generation J-35 – and Wing Loong-X drones.
The 4.5-generation J-10CE fighter attracted particular attention in the wake of the India-Pakistan conflict earlier this year, when the plane was credited by Pakistan with shooting down at least one French-made Rafale fighter.
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It was the first time a Chinese jet had been known to have shot down a Western-built warplane in aerial combat.
Pakistan accounts for around 60 per cent of Chinese arms exports and is the only country known to use the fighter, with around 20 of the jets in service presently.