Everyone wants Chinese arms

(MENAFN) While the US and European countries often dominate global arms market headlines, China is quietly building a significant arms network focused on affordability, accessibility, and strong partnerships, especially with countries in the Global South.

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) data for 2020–2024, the US remains the dominant player with a massive 43% share of the global arms market—up from 35% five years earlier. France ranks second with 9.6%, while Russia’s share has dropped sharply from 21% to 7.8%. China and Germany complete the top five exporters.

Although China’s market share appears modest, slightly decreasing from 6.2% to 5.9%, there is a deeper shift underway. China’s defense industry has greatly reduced its reliance on imported weapons, falling from 5.1% of global arms imports in 2015–2019 to just 1.8% in 2020–2024. This means China is increasingly self-reliant while continuing to sell weapons abroad.

Over the past five years, China has supplied major arms to 44 countries, with nearly two-thirds of its exports going to Pakistan. These include JF-17 fighter jets, Type 054A/P frigates, Hangor-class submarines, drones, and sophisticated air-defense systems. In 2024, China accounted for 81% of Pakistan’s arms imports, reflecting a deep relationship that extends beyond sales to co-production, training, and shared military strategies.

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