China has begun active negotiations with Russia to buy 40 more Su-30MKK fighters (it already has 40), two or three of the modernized and upgraded Kilo-class diesel submarines (China has two new 636-Kilos and two older 877-Kilos), and two or three Sovremenny-class destroyers. The Chinese have decided not to buy Amur-class diesel submarines (with air-independent propulsion systems) at least for another couple of years. The combination of new ships and planes would give China an increased ability to conduct "area denial" missions in areas such as the Spratlys. --Stephen V Cole