China's extravagant display of military might at its largest air show last week, overlooking the disputed South China Sea, comes as Beijing seeks to leverage that clout on world markets.

And the throngs of foreign delegations at Airshow China in the southern resort of Zhuhai indicate China is succeeding — even as tensions ratchet up in the region.

Better technology, more reliable weaponry, and diplomatic rapprochements with countries like the Philippines are cranking up the appeal of Chinese military equipment in its own back yard.