After counterfeit Levi's, counterfeit fighter jets

Sophie Team Observers — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:19:54 +0200

It started some 30 years ago with fake Levi's jeans and Versace bags. Then the market became more sophisticated, with faux iPhones on the racks. Now, the Chinese counterfeit goods trade has gone even further, with the production of identical copies of Russian-designed fighter planes.

In 1996, the Chinese government acquired a license to manufacture 200 Su-27 (Sukhoi 27) fighter jets at the Shenyang aircraft factory in northeast China. The planes were supposed to be used by the Chinese air force under the name J-11. But in 2004, after reeling 95 planes off the assembly line, the Chinese authorities suddenly cancelled the contract, listing various faults with the design of the jet. However, in 2007 China started to manufacture a new plane, of "Chinese design", which they named the J-11B. Not surprisingly, it was almost an identical copy of the Su-27, except for the addition of Chinese-produced engines, radars and dashboards.

The Chinese model is much cheaper than the Russian original, and Russia has been quick to note that China hopes to sell it to countries usually supplied by Moscow. The Russian authorities plan to sue for counterfeit theft, but, according to our Observer, Rick Fisher, who specializes in military issues, they have little chance of getting their voices heard.

China continues to supply Burma with military equipment

Julien — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 03:20:07 +0100

A blog by Burmese exiles in Thailand (Vimutti) has published photos of new military vehicles delivered to Burma from China on 15 January. The vans are the same model that was used to transport soldiers and prisoners during September's crackdown. However, Chinese diplomats insist they are working hard to get the Junta to negotiate with the opposition and to make efforts in terms of human rights. Kio, our Observer for Burma, comments on the situation.