But the Export Variant also doesn't has 730B CIWS and 130 mm main gun. Instead it has AK630 CIWS and 76 mm gun. Plus, it doesn't possess universal VLS. It has 32x VLS Anti Aircraft Missiles.
I can understand the skepticism but let's look at this logically.
You have a batch of six frigates being built (over time) at roughly $350 Million a copy. which makes the package well north of $2 Billion. For any nation (especially China) this is a lucrative export order.
Navantia, Fincantieri, DCNS, Damen, all will be interested and will offer their best designs. There is no 'security issue' on sharing stealth designs for frigates. China at best would keep their proprietary tactical data link system a secret. Radar sensors and electronics made in China are all 'inspired by' Western makes like RACAL, Ericsson, Hughes etc., nothing 'proprietary' there.
What big secret will the Chinese keep by
not offering their best designs and hardware?
What will they
hold back ensuring that they win by offering the most modern design and price-bidding for this contract?
I'd say not much.
The integrated mast, 130mm gun and universal VLS is a fairly common commodity these days. So is the type 730 CIWS (again, an 'inspiration' from Russia). If the Italian and French builders offer a FREMM type design with all the goodies, will the Chinese be foolish and not offer the same level of armament?
Look at the crow's nest mast of the 054A and see if in today's stealth-centric world, it cuts it anymore...
Now let's look at the clean integrated mast of 054B with APAR as you mentioned,
Pretty standard stuff....