In 1979, a seemingly ordinary Chinese delegation, these seven people, went to Egypt with a measly $5 to negotiate arms trade, and the result turned $5 into $167 million in just 50 days! No one thought that this would be a commercial miracle and, more importantly, a metamorphosis in China's aviation industry and military trade. When we look back at that difficult era, we can't help but ask: What kind of wisdom and strategy are behind this, and how did they show China's power on the international stage and change China's position in the world?
In the winter of 1979, seven members of the Chinese delegation left for Egypt with only their own luggage and a total of $5 in cash. None of the seven had experience in international trade, let alone good offices in the arms market. However, it is precisely such a group of "laymen" who have opened a new era in the export of China's military products.
China is in the early stages of economic development, the country is not rich, but the country's strategy needs to change, especially in the military industry. Mao Zedong's policy of "not being an arms dealer" was too idealistic in the actual international political and economic environment, and it was no longer suitable for the new international environment. Deng Xiaoping saw this and decided to break through the old ideas and push military products to the international market.
What was the situation like when they arrived in Egypt? At the beginning, the Egyptian side hoped to continue to receive free assistance. After some difficult negotiations, the Egyptian side finally accepted this condition. This is not just a simple business deal, but also a demonstration of China's assertion on the international stage.
In the days that followed, the work of the Chinese delegation could be described as step-by-step. Not only do they have to negotiate the details of the contract with the Egyptian side, but they also have to deal with a series of complex issues such as technology transfer, technology overcome, and after-sales service. The most challenging thing is that they have almost no relevant experience.
Since then, Chinese-made aircraft, tanks and other military products have begun to go abroad and go to the world, and have gradually been recognized by the international market.
Through this story of "selling arms abroad for $5", we have seen the spirit of the Chinese who are not afraid of difficulties and dare to make breakthroughs. Their success lies not only in the huge economic gains, but also in the fact that they have opened up new horizons for China's international status and the development of the military industry. At this time, there are still some difficulties and challenges in China's development, and it is those seemingly impossible challenges that can shape the real historic change. This is not only a story about economic interests, but also a legend about how to write China's power on the world stage with wisdom and courage.