Responsible weapons sales to safeguard peace and stability

Uzbekistan's Ministry of Defense recently announced the induction of Chinese-built J-10CE fighter jets — the export version of the J-10C — into its air force, releasing video footage showing several J-10CEs conducting flight maneuvers and landing procedures.

Prior to the official confirmation, local military observers had stated that the procurement contract signed between Uzbekistan and China could involve 24 of the fighter jets.

The two countries have a proven track record of defense collaboration: Uzbekistan's air defense forces have already procured and deployed Chinese HQ-9BE and HQ-12AE surface-to-air missile systems, while its drone units operate a number of Wing Loong 1 unmanned combat planes. The delivery of the J-10CE marks the first time in decades that the Uzbek military has acquired an advanced fighter aircraft.

The aircraft are equipped with electronically scanned array radars along with modern electronic warfare and data link systems, and can be used for both air-to-air combat and strike tasks.

Once in service, the J-10CE has immediately become among the most capable fighters in Central Asia, armed with a suite of advanced air-to-air missiles; going by the Pakistan Air Force's combat experience, the jet can fire its Chinese-made missiles to shoot down other aircraft at a distance of around 200 kilometers.

Having observed the J-10CE at close range and examined it in person, I can attest to its exceptional manufacturing quality.

Conversations with Chinese designers and engineers also revealed that while the fighter is not the most powerful model among China's domestically developed combat aircraft, its performance already surpasses that of many other fighter jets currently in service with the vast majority of countries worldwide.

Brendan Mulvaney, director of the China Aerospace Studies Institute under the US Department of the Air Force, has described the Chinese jet as "the best one that China exports".

Since May last year, the J-10CE has emerged as a highly sought-after platform on the global arms market.

In addition to Pakistan and Uzbekistan that have officially confirmed their acquisitions, multiple other countries have expressed interest in the aircraft and are advancing negotiations with Aviation Industry Corp of China.

China's advancing defense technology industry enables it to deliver not just world-class fighter jets, but a complete set of integrated air combat and defense systems, including ground-based radars, surface-to-air missiles, airborne early-warning aircraft and strategic transport planes.

A key factor distinguishing China's arms exports is its commitment to mutual respect. Unlike some Western countries that attach a host of unreasonable political conditions to arms sales, seek to interfere in purchasing countries' internal affairs, or even retain control over key weapon systems, China treats its clients with genuine respect and understanding.

We supply military equipment to any friendly country as long as the procurement is for defensive purposes and complies with China's relevant arms export regulations.

For countries looking for suitable defense products on the international market, my advice is clear: stop paying unreasonably high prices for Western weaponry.