China eyes RP as new market for weapons

BEIJING — China plans to sell weapons and other military equipment to the Philippines as part of the P20-billion Armed Forces modernization program.

Former Chinese Ambassador Fu Ying, who is now director general of the Asian Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told visiting Filipino journalists the government in Beijing has given the green light to Chinese arms manufacturers to take part in bidding for the project next month.

"Our government is giving them a free hand, our commercial arms manufacturers can participate (in the modernization) anytime," she said. "There’s no problem."

Chinese defense firms are manufacturing missiles, military vehicles and aircraft, surveillance and electronic equipment, and heavy and light machine guns and automatic pistols.

Officials refuse to give any figures but the Chinese arms industry is estimated to be worth billions of dollars.

An official of the Armed Forces modernization office told The STAR representatives of China North Industries Corp. (NORINCO) met senior military officials a few months ago to express their interest in upgrading the arsenal of the ill-equipped Armed Forces.

"They offered to supply the AFP artillery pieces and guns and vehicles, which are some of the equipment requirements placed on the front burner," the official said.

NORINCO, one of China’s biggest arms manufacturers, exports automatic pistols for sale and distribution in the Philippines.

Last month NORINCO launched its latest line of 4X2 fast-attack vehicles, which is mounted with a 7.62-mm. machine gun and a 23-mm. cannon.

The Armed Forces will buy this year P5.4 billion worth of military equipment.