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This decline is particularly perplexing given China’s aggressive push toward military modernization, especially as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027. Chinese weapons performed unexpectedly well when used by Pakistan against India earlier this year, and they even outperformed Russian weapons in Ukraine. So, why the dip in sales?
The Ripple Effect of Anti-Corruption Campaigns
The answer may lie in the ongoing anti-corruption purges led by Chinese President Xi Jinping. These internal campaigns, while ostensibly aimed at rooting out corruption, have had unintended consequences, notably stalling military procurement and development projects.