Prominent Chinese participation in the global defense platform
The World Defence Exhibition 2024, hosted by the Saudi capital Riyadh, witnessed a strong presence from the People's Republic of China, which showcased a wide range of its latest products and technologies in the military and security fields. The Chinese pavilion reflected the tremendous progress Beijing has made in the defense industries, offering international visitors and specialists a glimpse into the future of Chinese military technology.
The Chinese pavilion featured several major state-owned companies specializing in defense industries, showcasing a comprehensive range of solutions and systems. Exhibits included advanced air defense systems, high-precision target detection radars, thermal imaging and advanced night-vision cameras, as well as cutting-edge technologies in sensing, surveillance, and operational support. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) also garnered significant attention, with China displaying multi-mission models capable of conducting highly efficient reconnaissance and attack missions, underscoring its position as a key player in this vital sector.
General context: The World Defence Exhibition and the rise of China
Launched in 2022, the World Defence Exhibition is a strategic event aiming to be a leading global platform for the defence and security sectors. The exhibition aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to localize more than 50% of the Kingdom’s military spending by 2030, making it a key destination for international companies seeking partnerships and technology transfer.
China's participation in this context comes as a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and North Africa markets, a region witnessing increasing demand for modern defense systems. Historically, over the past few decades, China has transformed from a net importer of military technology into one of the world's largest arms exporters, relying on a strategy of offering technologically advanced products at competitive prices compared to their Western counterparts.
The importance and expected impact of Chinese participation
At the local and regional levels, Chinese products offer countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, additional options for diversifying their arms sources and reducing reliance on traditional suppliers. This diversification enhances these countries' military decision-making independence and opens new avenues for joint industrial cooperation and technology transfer, aligning with local localization plans.
On the international stage, China's strong presence at such global exhibitions sends a clear message about its ambitions as a global power. By showcasing its advanced technological capabilities, China is challenging the long-standing dominance of the United States, Russia, and European countries in the global arms market. This extends beyond mere sales to include the building of strategic relationships and new alliances, reshaping the global geopolitical balance. The Chinese pavilion attracted a large number of officials and experts, reflecting the growing international interest in China's military capabilities and its future role on the world stage.
