Beijing’s defense industry is reshaping the global arms market, offering affordable and politically neutral weapons to countries in the Global South. This strategy is significantly impacting the international arms trade, with significant exports to nations like Pakistan, Serbia, Thailand, and others across multiple continents. While the United States remains the dominant player in the global arms market, China’s growing influence is evident through its increasing exports and strategic partnerships.
The United States has historically held a substantial share of the global arms market, with data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) showing that the country held a 43% share in 2020-2024. This is a significant increase from the 35% share it held a decade earlier. France came in second with a 9.6% share, while Russia’s share decreased dramatically from 21% to 7.8%. China, along with Germany, rounded out the top five exporters, indicating a growing presence in the global arms trade.
Despite its increasing influence, China’s share of the global arms market remains modest, at 5.9% in 2020-2024. However, behind the numbers lies a transformation in the country’s defense industry. China has reduced its reliance on imports, decreasing its share of global arms imports from 5.1% in 2015-2019 to just 1.8% in 2020-2024. This shift highlights China’s growing capability to produce its own military equipment, reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers.
China’s exports are diverse, with major arms deliveries to 44 states. Nearly two-thirds of these exports go to Pakistan, which has purchased a range of military equipment, including JF-17 fighter jets, Type 054A/P frigates, Hangor-class submarines, drones, and advanced air-defense systems. In 2024, 81% of Pakistan’s arms imports came from China, indicating a strong and multi-faceted relationship beyond mere arms sales.
Other key trade partners include Serbia and Thailand. Serbia has purchased FK-3 air-defense systems and CH-92A UAVs, making it one of the few European states willing to diversify away from NATO suppliers. Thailand has acquired tanks and naval assets, while Bangladesh and Myanmar rely on China for trainer aircraft, small arms, and armored vehicles. These exports highlight China’s growing influence across different regions and continents.
In Africa, China’s role in the arms market is particularly notable. From 2020-2024, the country supplied 18% of Africa’s arms, second only to Russia’s 2.1%. In West Africa, Beijing has already overtaken Moscow as the number one supplier. This regional presence underscores China’s strategic approach to expanding its influence and market share across the globe.
China’s arms exports also include modern air-defense systems, such as the FK-3, as well as dual-use technologies, from AI-enabled drones to satellite-based surveillance. This broad spectrum of equipment places China in an exclusive club, with only the United States and Russia able to provide such a comprehensive range of military options across all domains of warfare.
For many governments, the appeal of Chinese weapons lies in their affordability, speed of delivery, and the lack of political conditions typically associated with Western arms contracts. This makes them particularly attractive to countries under Western scrutiny, who value sovereignty over compliance with foreign rules. Additionally, China’s willingness to share technology through joint projects, such as the JF-17 fighter with Pakistan or agreements to manufacture drones in Saudi Arabia, demonstrates its flexibility in technology transfer and local production capabilities.
However, challenges remain. China’s military has not engaged in a major conflict since 1979, raising questions about real-world performance. Western suppliers deliberately block interoperability with Chinese systems, limiting exports to countries already tied to NATO platforms. Supply chains also remain vulnerable, with incidents such as Germany’s refusal to allow submarine engines for China’s deal with Thailand delaying projects until Bangkok approved a Chinese replacement in August 2024.
Despite these challenges, China’s growing presence in the global arms market is significant. The country’s strategy of offering reliable, affordable, and politically neutral defense solutions appeals to partners seeking freedom from Western conditions. This approach not only equips nations but also empowers them to make sovereign choices, further solidifying China’s role in the global arms trade.