China is growing arms exporter with 55 percent going to Pakistan

http://www.geostrategy-direct.com/geostrategy-direct/secure/2013/03_27/ne.asp

 

China is growing arms exporter with 55 percent going to Pakistan

LONDON — China, now a major supplier, has expanded arms exports to the Middle East, a report said.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute asserted that China expanded its presence in defense markets in the Middle East. The institute, ranking China the fifth largest arms exporter, identified such regional clients as Algeria and Morocco.

China's Type 90 Main Battle Tank was developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

"Recent major deals indicate that China is establishing itself as a substantial arms supplier to a growing number of large arms recipients, including Algeria, Morocco and Venezuela," the institute said.

In a report released on March 18, SIPRI said China's arms exports were fueled by Pakistan, close to numerous Middle East states. Pakistan, deemed a strategic ally of Saudi Arabia, is said to account for 55 percent of Chinese arms exports. No sales figures were immediately available.

"China's rise has been driven primarily by large-scale arms acquisitions by Pakistan," SIPRI arms transfer director Paul Holtom said. "However, a number of recent deals indicate that China is establishing itself as a significant arms supplier to a growing number of important recipient states."

China is said to have sold the Type-90 main battle tank to Morocco. Beijing has also been preparing to supply warships to Algeria.

The report said China's arms exports included a range of new combat systems. SIPRI cited the J-10 and J-11 combat aircraft, powered by Russian engines.

SIPRI said China was competing with Russia in the Middle East. The report said Russia accounted for 71 percent of exports of major weapons to Syria in 2008-12 and continued to deliver arms and ammunition in 2012.

"Russia's arms supplies included an estimated 24 96K9 Pantsyr-S1 and 6 9K40 Buk SAM systems and 2 K-300P Bastion-P coastal defence missile systems," the report said.