Conquest through commerce

摘要

Military exports have traditionally been regarded as a secondary concern for China's defence industry, with sales to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) taking priority. However, during the past decade international sales have become increasingly important for Beijing as part of its wider engagement policy intended to build China's strategic influence in target regions. China's drive to export military systems, particularly to developing economies, reflects a wider diplomatic policy to enhance relations with countries deemed to be strategically located or those that might be positioned to provide China with economic, strategic, or technological gains.