Chinese delegation not to attend IMDS-2011

27.06.2011 Official delegation of Chinese Navy will not take part in the 5th International Maritime Defense Show (IMDS-2011), told Chinese consulate to Central Navy Portal.

Diplomats did not specify the reasons why Chinese delegation will not attend the exhibition. It should be noted that Chinese representatives used to participate in all previous IMDS naval shows held in St. Petersburg.

As it has been told to Central Navy Portal, participation of Indian Navy's representatives is open to question as well. At the same time, Pakistani Navy will be represented with an official delegation headed by the commander-in-chief.

Since early 90's China and India for a long period have been the largest consumers of Russian defense products, including the naval ones. As for warships, Russia has delivered 12 submarines and 4 destroyers to China throughout that period. Besides, contracts for shipborne SAM systems S-300FM Rif-M and helicopters Ka-28 (Ka-31) either have been implemented or are under realization.

Nevertheless, since the fall of 2010 no new defense contracts have been tied between Russia and China. Russian president's assistant Sergei Prikhodko on Sept 24, 2010 confirmed reduction of Russian military export to China, and outlined the problem of Russia-China competition at arms markets of third countries.