China is the fourth largest arms exporter behind the U.S., Russia, and France. China's arms sales are an important element of its growing military power and geopolitical influence. China's sale of advanced conventional weapons and provision of private security companies (PSCs) are means to extend its influence abroad.
RAND Corporation researchers utilize open-source materials to track Chinese arms sales, Chinese PSCs, and developments within China's defense industry. On a monthly basis RAND distributes a "Monthly Snapshot" of a few of the most salient open sources on developments in China's defense industry and its arms exports. RAND researchers draw upon these open-source materials it collects to produce research and analysis products that are presented on this webpage. Additionally, this webpage hosts other, related RAND research and analysis.
RAND researchers developed a map that shows the countries purchasing Chinese arms. The map also depicts countries where Chinese private security companies are employed.
NOTES: UAE = United Arab Emirates. Australia is listed in the trade register of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, but it received only one item from China during 2018–2021, a helicopter that was not armed. Therefore, Australia was omitted from the analysis.
Source: China's Weapons Exports and Private Security Contractors (RAND, TL-A2045-1)
