China and India already have Sizzlers and countries that have indicated interest in, or bought, the Sizzler or versions of it include Algeria, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

But Boeing, which makes the Harpoon anti-ship missiles, has also produced more than half of China's commercial jets and ensures they stay airworthy with spare parts.

A new Chinese anti-ship missile that will significantly alter the balance of military power in the Pacific is now operational, according to a senior US commander.