The world’s attention is usually focused on American and European weapons, but behind the scenes, Beijing is building an arms network based on price, accessibility, and partnership. For the Global South countries, this network is proving to be highly attractive, especially as they seek affordable Chinese weapons to strengthen their defense capabilities. Analysts believe that China’s growing role in the global arms trade is reshaping the balance of power, offering developing nations an alternative to Western suppliers.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) data from 2020 to 2024, the United States remains the largest arms supplier in the global market with 43 percent. France follows in second place with 9.6 percent, while Russia comes third with 7.8 percent. China, with a 5.9 percent share, may appear limited, but in reality, it has freed its defense industry from reliance on imports. Experts argue that this shift highlights China’s growing influence in the global arms trade and its ambition to become self-sufficient in military technology.
In the past five years, China has supplied major weapons to 44 countries, with Pakistan being the largest recipient. From JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to air defense systems, submarines, and drones, most of China’s arms exports are directed toward Pakistan. In 2024, nearly 81 percent of Pakistan’s defense imports came from China, transforming the relationship from mere trade into joint production and deeper military cooperation. Apart from Pakistan, Serbia and Thailand are also important buyers. Serbia acquired the FK-3 air defense system and drones, while Thailand purchased tanks and naval assets. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nigeria, Algeria, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and Bolivia also use Chinese weapons at varying levels. Through these efforts, Beijing has successfully established its presence across almost every continent, reflecting its ambitions in the global defense market.
In Africa, China ranks second with an 18 percent supply share, having already surpassed Russia in West Africa. In Asia, China stands as the third-largest supplier with 14 percent. Interestingly, many Asian nations are overlooking the West’s warnings about the “China threat” and are purchasing advanced weapons from Beijing. Chinese drones, especially the Wing Loong and CH series, are the most popular in the Middle East and Africa. However, China’s defense catalog extends far beyond drones, covering modern fighter jets, tanks, submarines, frigates, and missile systems. This makes China, after the United States and Russia, the only country capable of providing a full range of military hardware. Chinese weapons are cheaper and more readily available than Western alternatives, and they come without strict political conditions or usage restrictions. Nations seeking to avoid Western pressure are increasingly choosing Beijing, as it also offers technology transfer and agreements for local production. Through such strategies, China is strengthening its foothold in the global arms trade, making it a key player in regions long dominated by the U.S. and Russia.
Although China’s progress is significant, certain challenges remain. Its weapons have not been tested in major battlefields, Western nations limit their compatibility with NATO systems, and there are disruptions in the supply chain. Concerns also exist regarding quality and spare parts. China may not surpass the United States in global arms exports anytime soon, but Beijing’s strategy is different. By offering affordable, reliable, and politically neutral defense solutions, it is attracting countries that prioritize sovereignty over Western conditions. In this way, China is not only supplying defense exports but also empowering nations to make independent decisions. This approach highlights China’s growing influence in the global defense industry, while providing alternative military partnerships to states seeking autonomy.
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