SOURCE: AFI
A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has cast doubt on the reliability of Chinese weaponry in real-world conflicts. The report, released on March 10, 2024, highlights that nearly 99% of the 300 missiles and drones shot down by Israel, with backing from the US and UK, were based on Chinese military technology. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of Chinese arms in high-intensity warfare.
The report also points towards a decline in Chinese arms exports. SIPRI notes a 23% drop in Chinese arms sales to Sub-Saharan African nations between 2019 and 2023. This decrease is attributed, in part, to quality control issues plaguing Chinese weapons systems. While China remains the primary arms supplier to Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 19% of the region’s total imports, these recent trends suggest a shift in buyer preferences.
Countries seeking advanced weaponry may be turning away from China due to concerns about reliability and performance. This decline in exports could have significant implications for China’s military ambitions and its position in the global arms trade.
It’s important to note that SIPRI is a respected independent institute, but further analysis is needed to understand the full picture. However, this report suggests potential weaknesses in Chinese military technology and a changing landscape for the country’s arms exports.