Pentagon:China exported Arms worth 11 Billion US Dollars in 5 Years

According to a report released by Pentagon China signed agreements for arms exports worth 11 billion US dollars from 2007 to 2011. Pakistan maintains its position as Beijing’s primary customer for conventional weapons. The report added that Chinese defence firms are marketing and selling arms throughout the world with the majority of their sales to Asia and the Middle East/North Africa. In 2012, China unveiled the Yi Long tactical unmanned aerial vehicle. It will be marketed to developing nations.

China engages in both arms sales and defence industrial cooperation with Islamabad, including co-production of the JF-17 fighter aircraft, F-22P frigates with helicopters, K-8 jet trainers, F-7 fighter aircraft, early warning and control aircraft, tanks, air-to-air missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and cooperation on main battle tank production.

China's military modernisation may have potential implications for regional stability. According to the report, Sub-Saharan African nations consider China as a provider of low-cost weapons with less political hassles compared to other international arms suppliers.