China's VT-4 main battle tank (MBT) and the Shenyang FC-31 stealth fighter have become the centers of attraction at China's exhibit showcasing weapons and military equipment built for export at the ongoing IDEX 2017 arms show in Dubai.

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China is displaying a full-size, working version of the VT-4, the only same-size Chinese weapon on show at IDEX. Also known as the MBT3000, the VT-4 was specifically designed and built by Norinco for overseas export.

It's the latest tank model from the Type 90-II tank family. It mounts a 125 mm smoothbore gun and is being touted for its onboard active protection system called GL5 and a laser warning device.

The Royal Thai Army is currently the only foreign user of the VT-4. It has ordered 28 of the MBTs with a future option to buy 153 more.

State-owned Norinco or China North Industries Corporation makes tanks, guns, ammunition and other weapons in wide use by the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The most popular Chinese weapon, however, is the FC-31 low observable fighter, which is being billed as a multi-role fighter with stealth characteristics. Only a scale model of the fighter is on display at IDEX 2017, however.

Originally called the Shenyang J-31 low observable fighter, the FC-31 was renamed to its current designation in December 2016 to better reflect its role as a fighter intended for export to other countries.

The FC-31 is being marketed as a far cheaper export competitor to the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter has. The FC-31 is an upgraded version of the J-31.

It made its flight debut in the northeastern city of Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, on Dec. 23, 2016. The jet is made by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). It costs some $70 million each.

The FC-31 looks like a clone of the F-35 and it's long been widely held in the West the reason for this is the theft by Chinese spies of top secret F-35 plans in covert operations spanning over a decade.

Also called the Gyrfalcon or Falcon Hawk, the FC-31 is powered by two Russian-made Klimov RD-93 turbofan jet engines. During its first test flight in 2012, the first FC-31 managed to stay airborne for only 11 minutes.

Since 2007, spies working for China have stolen secret data -- especially about stealth technologies -- used in the F-35; the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth strategic bomber.

Eight Chinese companies are taking part in IDEX 2017, or the 13rd Abu Dhabi International Defense Exhibition and Conference. IDEX 2017 opened at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center on Feb 19 and will end Feb 23.

The eight Chinese companies in IDEX 2017 are part of the "China Defense" state delegation and are headed by the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for the National Defense of China.

The firms are China North Industries (Norinco); Poly Technologies; China Precision Machinery Import-export Corporation; China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation; China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd.; CETC International; China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co., Ltd and Aerospace Long March International Trade Co., Ltd.

The Chinese companies are exhibiting models and videos of airplanes, missile systems, tanks, ships, drones, radars and other defense-related products.

Among these made for export weapons are the FD-2000 long-range air defense missile system; the FC-31; the Type 052C guided-missile frigate and the VT-4.

TagsVT-4 main battle tank, Shenyang FC-31 stealth fighter, china, IDEX 2017, Dubai, Royal Thai Army, People's Liberation Army, FC-31 low observable fighter, F-35, F-22 Raptor