11 October 2013

Editorial: China is a Leading Proliferator of Small Arms

By Zachary Keck

A new report identifies China has one of the leading proliferators of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the world today, and one that consistently flaunts international norms regarding the transparency of its SALW sales.
The report, (PDF) which was published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), states that, “China has long been one of the world’s most significant exporters of small arms and light weapons (SALW). It is also among the least transparent.”
It goes to note that “At least 46 states imported military SALW from China during 2006–10,” with African countries accounting for the largest share of recipients of these weapons, followed by countries in Asia, the Middle East and, increasingly Latin America.

Read the full story at The Diplomat