In the early 50s of the last century, China was in a critical period of national construction. In the face of the complex international situation and the situation of domestic waste waiting to be rebuilt, the Chinese government has decided to adopt a low-key and pragmatic strategy for the development of the defense industry. The core concept of this strategy is "not to be an arms dealer," that is, not to use military force as a tool for external expansion and international hegemony, but as an important guarantee for maintaining national security and regional stability.
In the international environment at that time, the Cold War pattern gradually took shape, the world was divided into two camps led by the United States and the Soviet Union, and the arms race and military expansion became the norm. China, however, has chosen a different path. The Chinese Government is deeply aware that as a country that has just recovered from a long period of war, what China needs most is a peaceful and stable external environment and a focus on domestic economic construction. Therefore, China has decided to devote its limited resources to independent research and development and production of the defense industry in order to ensure the basic security of the country, rather than participating in the international arms race.
The development of China's defense industry during this period mainly focused on the following aspects:
Independent R&D: The Chinese government encourages and supports independent R&D in national defense science and technology to reduce dependence on foreign countries and improve the country's ability to innovate independently. This includes independent research and development of weapon systems, military equipment and related technologies.
Infrastructure: In order to support the development of the defense industry, China has invested a lot of resources in infrastructure construction, including transportation, communications, energy, etc., to ensure the smooth operation of the defense industry.
Personnel Training: China attaches great importance to the cultivation of national defense science and technology personnel, and has cultivated a number of high-quality national defense science and technology personnel through the establishment of military academies and research institutions.
International Cooperation: While China adheres to the principle of "not being an arms dealer," this does not mean that China is completely closed. On the contrary, China actively engages in international cooperation in the field of defense industry, conducts technical exchanges and cooperation with other countries to promote common development.
Civil-Military Integration: The Chinese government promotes the development strategy of civil-military integration, which combines military technology with civilian technology, and promotes the coordinated development of the defense industry and the national economy.
Through these measures, China succeeded in creating a relatively independent and autonomous defense industrial system in the early 50s of the last century. This system not only provided a solid guarantee for China's national security, but also laid the foundation for subsequent economic development and scientific and technological progress. At the same time, China's low-key and pragmatic strategy for the development of the defense industry has also made a positive contribution to world peace and stability.
Although China decided not to sell arms to foreign countries in the early 50s of the last century, this does not mean that China is silent or inactive in international affairs. On the contrary, China has taken a more active and constructive approach to support international disputes through diplomacy, economic assistance and technical support to promote peace and stability. Among them, the support for the Cambodian National United Front is a typical example.
The Cambodian National United Front was a political force formed during the political turmoil in Cambodia in the mid-20th century to promote the independence, reunification and national liberation of the country. China's support for the Cambodian National United Front reflects China's firm support for the principles of international justice and national self-determination, as well as its commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability.
China's support is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Diplomatic support: China has spoken out for Cambodia's national united front in the international arena and supported its legitimate status and legitimate demands. Through diplomatic exchanges with other countries, China has promoted the international community's fair handling of the Cambodia issue.
Economic assistance: China has provided economic assistance to Cambodia to help it improve its infrastructure, develop its economy, and improve people's living standards. This kind of assistance does not have any political conditions attached, and reflects China's sincere assistance to the Cambodian people.
Technical support: China sends experts and technicians to Cambodia to provide technical support in the fields of agriculture, industry and medicine. This technical support has helped Cambodia improve its production efficiency and enhance its self-sufficiency.
Personnel training: China provides training opportunities for members of the Cambodian National United Front to help them improve their management and technical skills. These training programs cover a wide range of areas such as administration, economic development, and social management.
Cultural exchanges: China and Cambodia carry out cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Through exchanges in the fields of culture, education and the arts, the two peoples have become more connected.
China's support for the Cambodian National United Front is not only a support for a specific country, but also a support for the principles of international justice and fairness. Through this support, China has demonstrated its image as a responsible major country and made positive contributions to resolving international disputes and promoting world peace.
In addition, China's support also reflects the consistent principle of its foreign policy, that is, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and supporting the right of the people of all countries to choose their own development path. China does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries or engage in hegemonism, but helps other countries achieve peace, stability and development through cooperation and support.
Through this support, China has not only helped the Cambodian National United Front, but has also provided a positive example for other countries of the possibility of resolving international disputes through peace, cooperation and support. This form of support has also won China wide respect and recognition in the international community.
In 1979, China took an important step in the development of its defense industry and began to shift from free military aid to paid arms sales. This change was not only an inevitable demand for national defense modernization, but also a choice of necessity under the domestic and international situation at that time.
In the decades prior to 1979, China had adhered to a policy of free military aid, providing military assistance to a number of developing countries to support their national defense construction and national liberation struggles. However, with the changes in the international situation and the development of the domestic economy, China has gradually realized that in order to realize the modernization of national defense, it must change its original military aid policy.
First, the demand for national defense modernization requires China to strengthen its own military technology research and development and production capabilities. With the rapid development of science and technology, the forms and means of modern warfare are also constantly changing, which requires that China's military equipment and tactics must keep pace with the times. Through paid arms sales, China can obtain the necessary funds to develop more advanced weapons systems and military technologies to enhance its defense capabilities.
Second, paid arms sales are also a requirement for China's economic development. After the implementation of the reform and opening up policy in 1978, China began to pay more attention to economic construction, and the defense industry also needed to be coordinated with the development of the national economy. Through paid arms sales, China can transform the achievements of the defense industry into economic benefits and contribute to the country's economic development.
In addition, the international environment at the time also posed challenges to China's military aid policy. As the Cold War landscape gradually changed, some countries began to seek broader economic and military cooperation with China. In this context, paid arms sales have become a way for China to establish equal and mutually beneficial relations with other countries.
The implementation of paid arms sales also reflects the flexibility and pragmatism of China's foreign policy. On the basis of adhering to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, China has adjusted its foreign policy in a timely manner in light of changes in the international situation and the needs of its own development, so as to maximize its national interests.
In the process of implementing paid arms sales, China also faces a number of challenges. For example, how to ensure that arms sales do not exacerbate regional conflicts, how to balance the relationship between military exports and national security, and how to play a role in the international arms control system. In response to these challenges, China has taken a series of measures:
Strengthened export controls: China has established a strict export control system for military products to ensure that arms sales do not end up in terrorists or unstable areas.
Promoting Arms Control Cooperation: China actively participates in international arms control and disarmament activities and works with other countries to maintain international and regional peace and stability.
Promoting civil-military integration: China promotes a civil-military integration development strategy, combining military and civilian technology to promote the coordinated development of the defense industry and the national economy.
Strengthening International Exchanges: China has enhanced mutual understanding and trust through military exchanges and cooperation with other countries, creating a favorable international environment for paid arms sales.
Through these measures, China has made positive progress in paid arms sales, which has not only improved its own national defense modernization, but also contributed to the maintenance of world peace and stability.
China has gone through a difficult period in its recent history, including the missed opportunity for military development. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the rest of the world was experiencing a wave of industrialization and military modernization, but China was unable to keep up with this pace due to internal and external troubles. During this period, China suffered the humiliation of aggression by foreign powers and the payment of land reparations, and the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity were seriously threatened. Against this backdrop, China's military power and industrial base are very weak.
In 1949, the founding of the People's Republic of China marked a new chapter in Chinese history. The leaders of the new China realized that in order to defend the independence and security of the country, it was necessary to promote the process of industrialization of the country and create modern and mechanized troops. The realization of this goal is an arduous task for the newly founded New China.
First, China needs to build a solid industrial base. At the beginning of the founding of the People's Republic of China, China's industrial base was very weak, and many key industrial sectors were almost non-existent. To change this, the Chinese government has taken a number of measures:
Prioritizing Heavy Industry: The Chinese government has made heavy industry a priority area for the country's industrialization, particularly in the steel, machinery manufacturing, and chemical industries, which are key industries to support military modernization.
Import of foreign technology and equipment: In order to accelerate the process of industrialization, the Chinese government actively introduced advanced technology and equipment from foreign countries, and obtained important industrial technical support through cooperation with the Soviet Union and other countries.
Cultivating technical talents: The Chinese government attaches great importance to the cultivation of technical personnel, and has provided talent support for industrialization by establishing technical schools and universities and training a number of engineers and technicians.
Implementation of the Five-Year Plan: Through the implementation of a series of five-year plans, the Chinese government has promoted the country's industrialization process in a planned and step-by-step manner to ensure the rational allocation of resources and the orderly progress of industrial development.
While promoting industrialization, China also began to build up a modern and mechanized army. This includes the following:
Modernization of weapons and equipment: China began to develop and produce modern weapons and equipment, including tanks, aircraft, ships, and missiles, to improve the combat effectiveness of its troops.
Reform of military training: In order to meet the needs of modern warfare, China has carried out reforms in military training and improved the scientific and actual combat nature of training.
Military Theory Research: China has strengthened the study of military theory and explored military strategies and tactics suited to China's national conditions to guide the construction and operation of the armed forces.
R&D of National Defense Science and Technology: China has stepped up its R&D efforts in national defense science and technology, especially in nuclear weapons and missile technology, and has made important breakthroughs.
Through these efforts, China has gradually established a relatively complete industrial system, which has provided a solid material foundation for military modernization. At the same time, remarkable progress has also been made in the construction of modern and mechanized troops, and China's national defense capability has been significantly enhanced. These achievements not only guaranteed the country's independence and security, but also laid the foundation for subsequent economic development and scientific and technological progress.
In the late 70s and early 80s of the 20th century, China underwent a series of major political and economic changes. During this period, Deng Xiaoping proposed a series of policies of reform and opening up, aimed at promoting China's modernization process. In the field of defense and military affairs, Deng Xiaoping also made forward-looking views, including that "the time has come to become an arms dealer." The proposition of this viewpoint marks the beginning of China's attempts to export military industry to meet the needs of changes in the international situation and domestic economic development.
Against this background, China began to explore the possibility of exporting its military industry. The preferred export targets are those countries that have received Chinese aid and have less friendly relations with the Soviet Union and Western countries. These countries tend to be relatively isolated in the international political arena, with a more urgent need for military equipment and at the same time difficulty in obtaining the required weapons systems from Western countries. Thus, China's military-industrial exports provide a new option for these countries.
China's attempt at military exports is based on the following considerations:
Economic benefits: With the deepening of reform and opening up, China needs more foreign exchange earnings to support domestic economic development. Military exports can bring China considerable foreign exchange earnings and help balance the balance of payments.
Technological progress: Through military exports, China can carry out technological exchanges and cooperation with other countries to promote the further development and innovation of domestic military technology.
International influence: Military exports are also a way to increase China's influence on the international stage. By supplying military equipment to other countries, China can strengthen friendly relations with these countries and expand its international influence.
National defense security: Military exports can also provide a certain guarantee for China's national defense security. Through the export of military equipment, China can understand and grasp the military dynamics of other countries and provide information support for its own national defense and security.
In the process of implementing military exports, China has taken a number of cautious measures:
Export controls: China has established a strict export control system to ensure that military equipment does not fall into terrorists or unstable areas and avoid threats to international peace and security.
Selective exports: When exporting military industry, China will selectively export according to the political stance, international relations and domestic situation of the recipient country to ensure that the exported military equipment can be used to maintain regional peace and stability.
Win-win cooperation: In military exports, China focuses on establishing long-term cooperative relations with recipient countries, and achieves win-win results for both sides through technology transfer and joint research and development.
Compliance with international rules: China strictly abides by international arms control and non-proliferation rules in its arms exports, actively participates in international arms control and disarmament cooperation, and demonstrates China's image as a responsible major country.
Through these measures, China's military exports have gradually achieved certain results, not only providing support for China's economic development and national defense construction, but also contributing to the maintenance of world peace and stability. At the same time, China's military exports have also won China more respect and recognition on the international stage.
In 1979, China was in the early stages of reform and opening up, and the country's economic strength and international influence were gradually increasing. Against this background, the Chinese military industry also began to look for opportunities for foreign trade in order to promote its own development and modernization. In such an environment, the Chinese delegation went abroad with only $5 to Egypt to negotiate the arms trade, which seemed full of uncertainty and challenges at the time.
As an important country in the Middle East, Egypt has a strategic geographical location and abundant resources, and it is also a military power. At the end of the 70s of the 20th century, cracks began to appear in Egyptian-Soviet relations, which provided an opportunity for China. The visit of the Chinese delegation was not only to explore the possibility of arms trade, but also to establish and strengthen diplomatic relations with Egypt.
In the course of the negotiations, the Chinese delegation faced many difficulties. First, due to limited funding, the delegation's actions in the international arena were somewhat limited. However, this did not prevent them from demonstrating the strength and potential of the Chinese military industry. Through a well-prepared demonstration and professional negotiation skills, the delegation demonstrated to the Egyptian side the quality and performance of Chinese military equipment.
During the negotiations, the Chinese delegation highlighted several key points:
Price advantage: China's military equipment is competitive in price, which is an important consideration for Egypt with a limited budget.
Technical Cooperation: China is willing to provide technology transfer and cooperation to help Egypt upgrade its military industrial capacity.
Political neutrality: China's neutrality in international affairs and its refrain from interfering in Egypt's internal affairs is an attractive factor for Egypt seeking an independent foreign policy.
Long-term Cooperation: The Chinese delegation outlined a vision of a long-term relationship that goes beyond a one-off arms deal, but includes a range of collaborations that include military training, maintenance, and upgrades.
After painstaking negotiations, the Chinese delegation finally brought back a contract worth $167 million, which was a great success. This achievement not only brought important economic benefits to China's military industry, but also won China's reputation in the international arms market. At the same time, the signing of this contract also marked the beginning of foreign trade in China's military industry and laid the foundation for China's subsequent military exports.
This successful arms trade negotiation is an important milestone in the history of China's military industrial development. It not only demonstrates the strength of China's military industry, but also reflects China's growing influence in the international arena. Through this negotiation, China and Egypt have established good cooperative relations, laying the foundation for further cooperation between the two sides in the military and other fields. In addition, this successful experience has also provided valuable experience and reference for China's subsequent military exports, and has promoted the further development and internationalization of China's military industry.
After 1979, China's military exports did usher in a golden age. During this period, China's military industry experienced rapid development, not only meeting the needs of domestic army modernization, but also beginning to emerge in the international market. The success of China's military exports is due to the progress of domestic military technology, changes in the international political environment, and the flexible adjustment of China's foreign policy.
During this period, China successfully sold a series of advanced military equipment, including J-6 and J-7 fighters, Type 69 tanks, K8 trainers, etc. These weapons systems not only represent the high level of China's military industry, but also reflect China's competitiveness in the international arms market.
J-6 and J-7 fighters: The J-6 is a model of China's imitation of the Soviet MiG-19 fighter, while the J-7 is a model of the imitation of the MiG-21. Both fighters had good performance at the time, especially in terms of high-altitude and high-speed flight and air combat capabilities. Their exports have not only brought economic benefits to China, but also helped some countries improve their air defense capabilities.
Type 69 Tank: The Type 69 tank is the first generation of main battle tanks developed by China itself, and its export marks an important progress in the field of tank manufacturing in China. With its good mobility, firepower and protection performance, the Type 69 tank meets the needs of some countries for modern tanks.
K8 Trainer: The K8 is an intermediate trainer developed by China, which has become an important part of the multinational air force training system with its excellent flight performance and reliability. The export of the K8 trainer aircraft not only enhances China's international status in the aviation field, but also provides strong support for pilot training in the recipient countries.
The success of China's military exports is due to the following factors:
Technological Progress: China's continuous investment and innovation in the field of military technology has enabled the performance of domestic weapons systems to continuously improve and meet the needs of the international market.
Cost-effectiveness: Chinese-made military equipment often has a high cost-benefit ratio, which is an important attraction for countries with limited budgets.
Political neutrality: China maintains a neutral position in international affairs and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, which makes some countries more willing to choose Chinese military equipment.
After-sales service: China provides good after-sales service and technical support, including maintenance, upgrades, and personnel training of weapons systems, which increases the attractiveness of Chinese military equipment.
International cooperation: China actively participates in international military cooperation and multilateral arms control mechanisms, presents itself as a responsible major country, and creates a favorable international environment for military exports.
In this golden age, China's military exports not only brought economic benefits to the country, but also enhanced China's status and influence on the international stage. At the same time, the success of military exports has also provided impetus and experience for the further development of China's military industry, and promoted the continuous innovation and progress of China's military technology.
China's weapons systems are widely welcomed in the international market because they are inexpensive and have no strings attached. This feature has not only won China many customers, but also brought remarkable success to China's military exports. This success is not only reflected in economic gains, but more importantly, it has significantly strengthened China's military-industrial strength and international reputation.
First of all, the "good quality and low price" characteristics of Chinese weapons are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Cost-effectiveness: Chinese-made weapons systems often have a higher cost-benefit ratio compared to Western countries. This means that Chinese weapons tend to offer more functionality and better performance at the same price.
Mature technology: China's military industrial complex has reached the world's advanced level in some fields and is able to provide weapons systems with mature technology and reliable performance.
Customized services: Chinese military enterprises can provide customized solutions according to the specific needs of customers to meet the specific needs of different countries.
Secondly, China's adherence to the principle of "no strings attached" in its military exports is also one of the important reasons for its popularity in the international market:
Political neutrality: China's adherence to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and the absence of any political strings attached to arms exports have made many countries more willing to choose China's weapons systems.
Economic cooperation: China has often offered arms exports as part of economic cooperation rather than as a tool of political pressure, and this form of cooperation is more acceptable.
Long-term partnerships: China builds and maintains long-term partnerships through its military exports, rather than pursuing short-term interests, and this long-term perspective of cooperation brings more trust and opportunities for cooperation between the two sides.
The success of military exports has had a profound impact on China's military strength and international reputation:
Technological upgrading: Through interaction with the international market, Chinese military enterprises can get in touch with more advanced technologies and market demand, which promotes the continuous innovation and improvement of domestic military technology.
Economic benefits: Military exports bring considerable foreign exchange earnings to China, and these funds can be used for further R&D investment, forming a virtuous circle.
International influence: As China's weapons become more popular in the international market, so does China's international influence. The successful export of China's military industry has enhanced China's voice and influence in international affairs.
International cooperation: The success of China's military exports also provides more opportunities for international cooperation. China can carry out more extensive cooperation with other countries in military technology, joint research and development, personnel training, etc.
International image: The no-strings principle of China's military exports shows China's image as a responsible major country and enhances China's positive image in the international community.
In short, the success of China's military exports has not only brought economic and technological benefits to the country, but also significantly enhanced China's international status and influence. This success is based on the technical strength of China's military enterprises, a reasonable price strategy, and adherence to the principle of no strings attached, and is the embodiment of China's comprehensive national strength.
China's military exports are not only for the pursuit of economic gain, but also for the sake of international cooperation and trust-building, as well as China's diplomatic principle of "putting justice first". This principle emphasizes that in international exchanges, China attaches importance to safeguarding national interests as well as international morality and responsibility, and strives to promote world peace and prosperity while achieving its own development.
In terms of military exports, China's diplomatic principle is mainly embodied in the following aspects:
Promoting Regional Stability: When exporting weapons, China will take into account the regional security and stability of recipient countries and avoid exacerbating regional tensions due to arms exports. China's goal is to contribute to regional and global peace and stability by providing the necessary defense capabilities to help recipient countries maintain their national security.
Supporting developing countries: China's military exports are mostly targeted at developing countries, which often face security challenges and development needs. By providing affordable and reliable weapons systems, China helps these countries improve their own defense capabilities and enhance their confidence in independent development.
Promoting Arms Control and Disarmament: China actively participates in international arms control and disarmament efforts, and through arms exports, it is also promoting international control of the arms race, preventing arms proliferation, and maintaining global security.
Building long-term relationships: China's military exports are not a one-time deal, but the beginning of a long-term relationship. China has built deep trust and friendship with recipient countries by providing technical support, personnel training and maintenance services.
Untied Assistance: China insists on providing military assistance without any political strings attached, and respects the sovereignty and independent choice of the recipient country. This selfless assistance reflects China's sense of international morality and responsibility.
Promoting common development: The ultimate goal of China's military exports is to promote common development. Through military-industrial cooperation, China shares the fruits of development with other countries, promotes economic and technological exchanges, and achieves mutual benefit and win-win results.
China's military exports are therefore not only economic transactions, but also a manifestation of international cooperation and trust. It demonstrates China's active role in the international arena and China's commitment to maintaining world peace and promoting common development. Through its military exports, China is also sending a message to the world: China's development does not threaten other countries, on the contrary, China is willing to share development opportunities with other countries and jointly address challenges.
China's diplomatic principle has also been widely recognized by the international community. Many countries appreciated China's responsible attitude in arms exports and China's positive contribution to international peace and security. China's military exports have thus become an important part of China's foreign policy and an important bridge for China to establish friendly relations with the rest of the world.
The success of China's military exports is inseparable from the political wisdom and strategic calculations of China's leaders. From Chairman Mao's "not to be an arms dealer" to Deng Xiaoping's "having to be an arms dealer", the decisions of China's leaders reflect the changes in the domestic and international situations that China has faced in different historical periods, as well as their deep understanding of these changes and their strategies to deal with them.
During the era of Chairman Mao, China was in the early stage of national construction, with a weak domestic economic foundation and a complex and volatile international environment. During this period, China's main tasks were to consolidate the nascent people's power, restore and develop the national economy, and maintain the country's independence and security. Therefore, Chairman Mao put forward the policy of "not being an arms dealer", mainly based on the following considerations:
Concentrate resources: New China needs to concentrate its limited resources on domestic construction, rather than investing in the arms trade.
Avoiding International Conflicts: By not participating in the arms trade, China can avoid being drawn into international conflicts and arms races, and maintain peace and stability in the country.
Building an image of peace: As an emerging socialist country, China needs to establish an image of peace and friendship in the international community in order to win broader international support and cooperation.
However, over time, the international situation and the situation in China have changed. By the time of Deng Xiaoping, China had begun the process of reform and opening up, and its economic strength was gradually increasing, and its international status was also gradually improving. Against this backdrop, Deng Xiaoping put forward the idea that "we have to be an arms dealer", which reflects the reconsideration of national interests and international responsibilities in the new situation by Chinese leaders:
Economic benefits: With the development of the economy, China needs to expand foreign trade, and military exports have become an important way to obtain foreign exchange and promote economic development.
Technological Advances: Technological advances in China's military industry have enabled China to produce and export advanced weapons systems to meet the needs of the international market.
International cooperation: Through military exports, China can strengthen military cooperation and technological exchanges with other countries and enhance China's international influence.
Strategic Balance: In the late Cold War and post-Cold War era, the international balance of power has changed, and China's military exports can influence the regional and even global strategic balance to a certain extent.
Safeguarding national interests: In international affairs, China needs to safeguard its own national interests, including security interests and development interests, and military exports are one of the important means for China to achieve this goal.
These political wisdom and strategic considerations by China's leaders laid the foundation for the success of China's military exports. By flexibly adjusting its foreign policy, China has not only maximized its economic benefits, but also enhanced its international status and influence. At the same time, China has always adhered to the principle of peaceful development in its military exports, does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, and does not attach any political conditions, thus demonstrating China's image as a responsible major country. This balancing national interests with international responsibilities is key to the success of China's military exports and a manifestation of the political wisdom of China's leaders.