China's rise to fourth-largest arms exporter in the world was highlighted at Airshow China 2014, which ended with more than 300 deals worth a record $23.4 billion, according to the show organizer.

More than 700 aviation and aerospace manufacturers from 41 countries were on exhibit during the weeklong air show, which attracted a record audience of almost 410,000 people.

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Formally called the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, the state-sanctioned exposition displays the latest in China's aerospace and defense industry production. The show hits the exhibitor's hall road every two years at Zhuhai, Guangdong, just outside Macau.

There were more than 130 different aircraft on display, including the Halberd supersonic target drone, Queen Bee antitank rocket system, and the Sky Dragon 12 surface-to-air missile system. There was also stunt flying performed by female fighter pilots from the China Air Force.

This year, China overtook France as the number four world arms dealer, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The Chinese industry features 10 state-run large-scale defense companies, although officials are encouraging smaller, private manufacturers to join the production field. More competition should bring more innovation, according to Chinese thinking.

Over the last five years, China's main arms buyers were Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. China is a top seller of military hardware to sub-Saharan Africa, a smaller market that is growing rapidly.

China's share of worldwide sales increased from 2 percent to 6 percent over since 2009 as total world sales increased 14 percent. 

Arms sales from China had been relatively low due to the unwillingness of the Chinese military to market advanced weaponry. Chinese companies mainly were competing with Russia for low-grade arms sales.

But all that has changed now. Improved quality arms along with greater willingness to sell state-of-the-art weaponry has caused sales to boom. Airshow China 2014 represented an opportunity to display and sell some of that updated equipment.

Several deals were finalized at the show. The Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, an Aviation Industry Corporation of China subsidiary, or AVIC, said it was selling 20 Y-12 utility aircraft to Coptervision, a Las Vegas-based company specializing in tourism and transporting cargo.

Comac, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, said it sold two aircraft types still in development. It sold 30 C919 jetliners to China Merchants Bank leasing division. It also sold three ARJ21 regional jets to Republic of Congo.

Tagsairshow china, arms sale, military spendng, China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, Macau