Shoddy Chinese Arms Gain As Russia Loses Market

China has gained a reputation for selling weapons that have defects or are difficult to maintain. But for countries seeking affordable arms and few questions asked, Beijing is a good partner, Michael Peck reported for Business Insider.

Photo Insert: The JF-17's radar reportedly has poor accuracy and reliability in addition to a fragile airframe.

If Russia's arms exports falter because of the war in Ukraine, China's appeal may only grow. But for countries interested in Chinese weapons, it is buyer beware, warns a US think tank.

Chinese arms may be cheaper but they can prove more costly in the long run.

"China attracts customers for its military equipment with cut-rate pricing and financing, but there are hidden costs — especially when gear malfunctions," Cindy Zheng of RAND Corp. wrote.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) found a 23% decrease in Chinese arms exports between the 2013-2017 and 2018-2022.

Myanmar had to ground most of its cheap Chinese JF-17 fighters in 2022 over technical issues. In addition to a fragile airframe during high-G maneuvers, the JF-17's radar reportedly has poor accuracy and reliability.

"The aircraft does not even have an effective beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile or airborne interception radar," according to The Irrawaddy, a news site in Myanmar. Bangladesh has had problems with its Chinese-made K-8W jet trainers and HQ-7 air-defense systems.

Pakistan — the biggest importer of Chinese arms — has had issues with its Chinese-made F-22P frigates, including sensor and engine defects, forcing Pakistan's navy to operate the ships in a less than fully capable status.

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