North Korea is no embarrassment to China. They form a strategic buffer zone and China will seed them whatever equipment they deem necessary to maintain the strategic buffer. If any new hostility broke out in the DMZ I could see China flying in J-10’s or shipping in HQ-10 to balance the power along the border.

The strategic buffer thing was important to China in the past but things have changed going on the recent wikileak:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/29/wikileaks-cables-china-reunified-korea

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11871641

The fact is the PLA can regionally handle America these days so the need for a buffer zone is pretty much none existent. China is more interested in the trade opportunities of working with South Korea and no longer having a highly unstable neighbor. Unification would mean lots of trade opportunities for Chinese companies and have the bonus of weakening the South as it pays for a costly reunification process, in effect a win win scenario for China!

As for lack of investment in the KPAAF which was the question stated in the thread, considering how it would be pulverized within days if not hours by the South and America in a war investment in long range missiles on mobile launchers is a more logical choice.

Well I expect Dassault/French gov will be a bit tetchy about not getting an RFP.

Well I think once Pakistan has spent some time using their F-22P Zulfiquar class frigate we shall get a better idea about where Chinese quality control is.

Its certainly been known that the feedback from earlier exported vessels led to a bit of a stink within their domestic shipbuilding industry.

Hmmm, I think you are over egging the strike thing Jonesy. Its pretty well known that there are many in the RN who would love the capabilities that Hawkeye brings to the table.

Fact is there is little money at the moment but as you point out a greater relationship with the US and French brings up interesting possibilities.

As I have suggested before the French would love to get an extra Hawkeye but have been budget restricted.

If that brochure had come out four to five years ago I would of said it was aimed at the UK. The plan at the time was to buy another Ocean type vessel as a replacement at the end of this decade. Financial crisis and SDSR pretty much put paid to that idea. It could well be BAE Systems showing they can play in that market. Difficult market to break these days considering what else is on offer from Spain, France and South Korea.