China’s Middle East arms edge overshadowed by Turkey and South Korea at Riyadh show
A major shift in the global arms race is happening right now in the Middle East.
Deep Dive
At the Riyadh World Defence Show, China's military exports faced new competition. While its Wing Loong and Rainbow drones continue gaining Middle Eastern market share, its J-10CE and J-35A fighter jets struggled to attract buyers against high-profile displays from South Korea and Turkey. Analysts cite political challenges as a key barrier, contrasting with South Korea's debut aerobatic performance which captured significant attention at the five-day event.
Why It Matters
The global defense industry balance is shifting, with geopolitical alliances now directly impacting multi-billion dollar arms deals.