Chinese military expansion and defense exports in Asia

China is expanding its military influence and hardware presence in South and Southeast Asia through both joint exercises and defense procurement opportunities.

In Thailand, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force deployed J-10C fighter jets to participate in the Falcon Strike 2026 joint military exercises. This ninth edition of the exercise, and the fifth held on Thai soil, involved Chinese assets such as Y-20 strategic transport aircraft, early warning aircraft, and aerial tankers operating alongside the Royal Thai Air Force’s Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters. The training focused on combined force tactics, including air defense, target identification, mission coordination, logistical support, and combat medical evacuations.

Concurrently, Bangladesh is advancing a major military modernization program. A government committee has prepared a draft agreement for the procurement of 20 to 24 Chinese J-10CE multirole combat aircraft and attack helicopters, which has been submitted to the Armed Forces Division and relevant ministries for approval. The estimated cost of the deal is between $2.2 billion and $2.3 billion, covering airframes, training, technical assistance, logistics, and infrastructure. The acquisition is expected to be finalized through a government-to-government arrangement with the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), potentially during the 2026–27 fiscal year. Government adviser Zahed Ur Rahman noted that the decision was influenced by the reported combat performance of the J-10 in recent regional conflicts and its cost-effectiveness compared to European alternatives like the Rafale or Eurofighter Typhoon. The broader modernization plan also includes VIP helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems.