Arms trade

The Simple Reason the World Isn't Buying All of China's Fancy Weapons (At Least Not Yet)

Chinese weapons have indeed become popular with warlords, rebel groups and militias around the world given the absence of competing arms dealers. The Sudanese regime in Khartoum has been a prime recipient of Chinese military hardware and has used this position to become a weapons source for armed factions all over the continent.

Chinese anti-aircraft missiles have been spotted in the hands of South Sudanese government troops loyal to President Salva Kiir, while Khartoum-backed rebels answering to Riek Machar have also acquired brand new Chinese-made weapons.

China’s arms exports to Africa have coincided with a surge of investment by Chinese companies hoping to capitalize on the continent’s bountiful natural resources, as well as a steady buildup of Beijing’s own forces.