Why do the Chinese rely so heavily on the Russians for high-tech weapons?
 

When Putin says this about Russia's level of technological proficiency?

Have the Chinese developed anything on their own since gunpowder?

Why do the Chinese rely so heavily on the Russians for high-tech weapons?

Because the Clinton version of military secret and technology Wal-Mart closed down in 2000...The ChiComs lost their WestWing offices and access.

They do it for the same strange reason we sometimes go to Harbor Freight...plain & simple.;)

So you'd rather have them get it from us than them (Russians).
Well, hell: why not? They've got out jobs and our economy. May as well let them have the means to blow us up, too.

It can make sense if you control the spare parts and equipment necessary to operate said weapons; its another matter if you are selling development know-how and scientific technology.

that didn't work out with Iran ...
they kindoff figured it out by themself and are now making their own F-14 (and other) spares

Some things the Russians do very well. Weapon systems are certainly one. They are usually simple (or certainly no more complex than they absolutely have to be), easily obtained (because the russians need money and are willing to sell), and relatively robust (both in use and over time). Prime example: AK47/AK74.

Re: Why do the Chinese rely so heavily on the Russians for high-tech weapons?
 

Because the US government interferes with American companies selling them better stuff.