China’s Arms Trade: A Threat to Democracy and Regional Stability

Commentary

The Chinese regime’s arms exports to some of the world’s most oppressive regimes are increasing, bolstering Beijing’s diplomatic influence. However, the United States remains well ahead in the global arms market, and sanctions will likely slow China’s ascent as a major arms exporter.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has condemned a $2 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan, which includes advanced missile systems and radar to strengthen the island’s ability to defend itself against China. Beijing accused the deal of violating its sovereignty, damaging U.S.–China relations, and endangering peace in the Taiwan Strait. China’s foreign ministry vowed to take “all necessary measures” to defend its territorial claims over Taiwan.

Meanwhile, as the United States supports the democratic and self-governing nation of Taiwan, China has become one of the world’s largest arms exporters, frequently supplying weapons to sanctioned regimes in Africa and countries like Burma (Myanmar).

China is now the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, accounting for 5.8 percent of global arms sales between 2019 and 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). While this marks a significant shift, China still lags behind leaders like the United States and France. However, arms deals serve as a political tool for Beijing, not only for economic purposes but also as a means to expand the CCP’s geopolitical influence. This strategy, however, has raised global concerns for its role in supporting authoritarian regimes, fueling instability, and undermining democratic values.

China has intensified its involvement in Africa in response to worsening security challenges such as terrorism, coups, and transnational threats, positioning itself as a key security partner alongside its economic influence. At the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation Summit, Beijing pledged $50 billion over three years, including $140 million for security initiatives to train 6,000 military personnel, 1,000 law enforcement officers, and 500 young African officers in China. This strategy, centered on military education, aims to promote Beijing’s governance model and strengthen ties.

Pakistan has become one of the largest recipients of Chinese weapons, particularly in the naval sector. It remains China’s top buyer, with orders for eight Hangor-class submarines, deliveries of which began in 2022 and will continue through 2028 with local assembly in Pakistan. Additionally, Pakistan received the Type 054A/P frigates, the most advanced warships China has exported, under a four-ship contract. These frigates showcase China’s ability to produce cutting-edge multirole naval platforms equipped with advanced missile systems and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Other countries, including Malaysia and Thailand, have also purchased advanced naval platforms like frigates and littoral mission vessels.

U.S. sanctions targeting Chinese firms aiding Pakistan’s ballistic missile program have added pressure on Beijing. These sanctions, which complicate Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese technology for its Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missile systems, weaken its missile stockpile and bolster India’s security, allowing New Delhi to focus on countering China. At the same time, these sanctions risk disrupting broader Sino–Pakistani defense cooperation, potentially pushing Pakistan closer to Beijing—an unintended consequence of U.S. efforts to curb the CCP’s influence. By supporting Pakistan’s missile program and supplying weapons to regimes in Burma and Africa, the CCP has escalated regional tensions and contributed to human rights abuses. For the United States, sanctions on Chinese defense firms serve as both a counter to Beijing’s growing influence and an opportunity to reinforce its own commitment to democracy and global security. However, combined with quality concerns and political criticism, these actions could further slow China’s arms export growth.

China has intensified its involvement in Burma’s conflict as resistance forces gain ground, threatening Beijing’s strategic interests. Rebels now control over half of Burma, including critical trade routes along the China–Burma border. To protect key investments like the China–Burma pipeline and mining projects, Beijing has strengthened ties with the junta, supplying advanced weapons such as FTC-2000G fighter jets, which the regime has deployed in escalating airstrikes against ethnic minorities, causing significant civilian and military casualties. These actions have fueled anti-China sentiment within Burma but also deepened Beijing’s influence near India’s eastern border.

The CCP’s strategic projects—including the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port and the Myitsone dam, both part of its Belt and Road Initiative (also known as “One Belt, One Road”)—enhance the Chinese regime’s access to the Indian Ocean and complicate India’s regional influence. Burma’s instability threatens key Indian connectivity projects, such as the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, which are vital for developing India’s northeast. In response, India has adopted a dual strategy, engaging with both the junta and ethnic groups to safeguard its interests.

China’s defense industry has modernized, leveraging affordable pricing and flexible financing to gain a competitive edge, yet it faces significant challenges. Persistent quality concerns and criticism over arms exports to regimes like Burma’s junta and Sudan have tarnished its reputation. These issues, combined with intense global competition, have contributed to sluggish growth in China’s arms sales. In 2023, nine Chinese firms in SIPRI’s Top 100 generated $103 billion (16 percent of total arms sales), with mixed performances. While companies like Aviation Industry Corporation of China and China State Shipbuilding Corporation posted revenue increases, others, including NORINCO and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, saw sharp declines due to delivery delays and quality issues.

The United States remains firmly on top of the global arms market, while China struggles to compete with leading exporters. To counter China’s arms sales growth, the United States has imposed sanctions on Chinese defense firms and threatened additional penalties should China export weapons to Ukraine. Restrictions have also been placed on China’s access to advanced chips essential for state-of-the-art weapons manufacturing.

The incoming Trump administration is expected to intensify these measures, introducing more tariffs, sanctions, and restrictions. Such actions will likely further hinder China’s efforts to dominate the arms sector and limit the CCP’s use of military diplomacy to expand its influence.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Source link