Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — China has been marketing defense systems to the Middle East, a report said.

The U.S. Defense Department said Beijing’s growing defense industry was targeting the Middle East, particularly North Africa.

In a report, the Pentagon said China was marketing such platforms as aircraft, helicopters, frigates and unmanned aerial vehicles.

“Chinese defense firms are marketing and selling arms worldwide, with
the bulk of their sales to Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa,” the
report, titled “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s
Republic of China 2014,” said.

The report to Congress, released June 6, said Beijing signed $10 billion
in conventional arms agreements from 2008 to 2012. The Pentagon said a new
Chinese platform was the Yilong tactical UAV.

“In 2013 and the coming years, China’s arms exports will likely increase
modestly as China’s domestic defense industry improves,” the report said.

The report did not cite Middle East clients of China. The Pentagon said
Pakistan remains China’s primary defense customer, including procurement of
the JF-17 fighter aircraft, F-22P frigates, K-8 jet trainers and F-7 fighter
aircraft. K-8 has also been exported to Egypt.

“China uses arms sales as part of a multifaceted approach to promote
trade, secure access to natural resources, and extend its influence in the
region,” the report said.

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