A Chinese-made J-10 fighter aircraft soared into the sky as part of a showcase at Saudi Arabia¡¯s annual arms exhibition, demonstrating the growing defense ties between the Asian power and the world¡¯s fifth-biggest weapons spender.

While U.S. companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin dominated the World Defense Show in the Saudi capital of Riyadh this week, China¡¯s presence dwarfed that of most other countries.

Exhibiting for the first time under a single brand ¡ª China Defense ¡ª state companies displayed a range of weaponry, from drones to anti-aircraft and ballistic missiles along with models of stealth fighter jets and amphibious assault ships.