China’s often flawed arms still buy lasting influence

Despite ongoing concerns about the quality and reliability of China's military equipment, its arms trade continues to exert significant influence by binding vulnerable nations into long-term military, economic, and political dependencies. This strategic approach highlights how China leverages its military hardware to solidify its geopolitical clout, even if the weapons themselves are not always top-notch. The June 2026 report by The Takshashila Institution underscores the broader implications of this strategy, suggesting that China's military sales are part of a larger plan to expand its global influence and maintain control over its sphere of influence.