A "no questions asked policy" and cheap prices are making warships made by China a popular choice among developing nations in Asia and Africa.

State-owned media said China exported more than 20 military warships, each with a tonnage in excess of 1,000 tons to Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria.

Like Us on Facebook

There are no conditions attached to the export of any equipment or technology from China, said Du Wenlong, a researcher with the PLA Academy of Military Science.

He also claims China's military technological cooperation with other countries does not aim to forge military alliances as alleged by China's detractors. He said China's decision to export warhips is based on the importers' specifications and military needs.

Chinese media noted Chinese light weapons and equipment -- especially armed aerial drones -- are popular in developing countries in Asia and Africa. China's developing nation clients say weapons and equipment manufactured by the U.S. and European countries are too expensive and can't satisfy their needs.

China not only takes its clients' combat requirements into account, but also offers an affordable price within their budget. China also doesn't use military technology to bind any country.

The difference in price can be staggering. The F-22P Zulfiquar-class naval frigate jointly produced by China and Pakistan costs $200 million per ship. In contrast, the USS Freedom (LCS 1), a Freedom-class littoral combat ship or frigate, costs $637 million each.

Given that the USS Freedom packs more sophisticated weapons and equipment, the cost of acquiring even a single ship of this type is out of the reach of most developing nations.

Du said the fundamental technologies and weapon compatibility of Chinese warships have reached a high level. He also claims Chinese weapons and equipment have excellent technical specifications and are reasonably priced. 

In 2014, the Bangladesh Navy added two new Chinese-made frigates to its surface fleet: BNS Abu Bakar and BNS Ali Haider. It plans to acquire two more Type 053H2 frigates from China with all these four warships costing some $420 million.

It will also operate four Type 056 class corvettes made in China. The export version of this corvette is designated P-18.

Early this month, another Chinese-made warship, the "NNS Unity," an offshore patrol vessel, arrived in Nigeria after a two month-long voyage from China.

NNS Unity is a P18-class corvette, which is the export version of China's Type 056 corvette. It's the first P18-class corvette delivered to Nigeria. Other P18s are being built for the Bangladesh Navy.

The Type 056 entered service in February 2013. It's suited for mid-range missions and littoral duties but not for major blue-water combat operations.

This warship has crew of 78. It has a top speed of 46 km/h and a range of 6,500 km at 30 km/h.

Tagschina, warships, warship exports, developing countries, Asia, Africa