China’s global arms trade is surging—and it’s past time Americans woke up to the strategic implications. From advanced J-35 stealth fighters to weaponized drones and sophisticated missile systems, Beijing is rapidly becoming a global supplier of military hardware. According to a recent report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), over the past five years China has delivered weapons to no fewer than 44 countries, spanning from Southeast Asia and Africa to the Middle East and even Latin America.
This shift isn’t just about profits; it’s a calculated expansion of Chinese geopolitical influence. “Arms purchases aren’t just about acquiring weapons; they also establish political and military alliances,” noted SIPRI senior researcher Siemon Wezeman. Indeed, for nations wary of Western oversight and American diplomatic pressure, China’s arms deals offer an appealing alternative—fewer strings attached, lower costs, and a chance to gain favor with one of the world’s emerging superpowers.
Consider the recent border skirmish between Pakistan and India, which provided a stark demonstration of China’s rising military profile. Last month, Pakistan boldly claimed its Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets shot down six Indian aircraft, including three French-built Rafale fighters, in a brief but fierce confrontation. “This was a rare opportunity for the international community to gauge Chinese military hardware on the battlefield against Western hardware,” observed Lyle Morris of the Asia Society Policy Institute.
Make no mistake: China’s arms sales are not random—they’re strategic. Pakistan alone accounts for a staggering 63 percent of China’s total weapons exports from 2020 to 2024. Beijing is shoring up key regional allies with jets, drones, naval vessels, and advanced missile defense systems. Other countries, like Myanmar and Bangladesh, have also turned to Chinese armored vehicles and small arms, further cementing China’s footprint in the region.
Africa hasn’t been overlooked, either. Nigeria and Algeria, among others, have imported Chinese tanks, surface-to-air missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. In the Middle East, countries like Iran and Oman have turned to Chinese drones and missile systems, seeking affordable alternatives to Western suppliers. Even in our own hemisphere, Venezuela and Bolivia have turned to Beijing for affordable weapons technology.
While China’s arms exports have grown in sophistication, their overall volume has slightly declined in recent years, down by about 5.4 percent between 2020 and 2024. This may reflect Beijing’s strategic targeting rather than weakness. China’s arms trade remains regionalized, focused heavily on traditional allies and developing nations wary of Western interference. In contrast, key U.S. allies in Asia—India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea—continue to rely overwhelmingly on American and European suppliers to counterbalance Beijing’s military ascendancy.
Yet, Americans must not underestimate the diplomatic leverage and strategic foothold these Chinese deals provide. Arms exports open doors to deeper economic cooperation, infrastructure projects, and political influence. China’s aggressive push in the global weapons market is a clear attempt to reshape alliances and chip away at America’s global standing.
President Trump has rightly prioritized American manufacturing and military strength. Reviving domestic production, bolstering defense innovation, and ensuring strong alliances are more important than ever. Beijing’s ambitions must be met with an unyielding commitment to American security and leadership. The Trump administration’s America First strategy—emphasizing border security, domestic manufacturing, and strategic trade reform—is exactly the antidote needed to counter China’s expanding arms trade.
Now more than ever, Americans must remain vigilant. China’s ambitions are clear: dominate arms markets, gain geopolitical leverage, and challenge U.S. power. To counter this threat, America must reinvest in our defense industry, strengthen ties with allies, and reclaim our rightful place as the unrivaled leader in global security and innovation. Under President Trump’s leadership, we have the vision and resolve to meet this challenge head-on.
