China's Aviation Industry Corporation has undergone so many restructurings during the past decade that it has become almost impossible for outsiders to understand its structure. But one thing is clear: the $21.7bn (€14.5bn, £13bn) group is rapidly emerging as a big military goods exporter, writes Kathrin Hille in Beijing.

Pakistan, where Avic is seeking to sell 36 of its J-10 fighter jets, is an old partner. But Avic is also marketing light fighter jets to Indonesia and the Philippines. It has attracted interest as an alternative to Russia in eastern Europe. Several African countries are also on the customer list for heavy equipment such as helicopters, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.