China Tensions Drive Up Arms Sales in Asia

Asia and Oceania was the second-largest destination for arms imports over the past five years, on the back of China’s military buildup and growing assertiveness in the region, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Why It Matters The analysis, released Monday, shows how the contours of global arms sales are shaped by ongoing conflicts and by governments preparing for potential ones. The report comes after China announced its largest-yet defense budget. Beijing’s rapid military buildup has raised concerns in Washington and allied Pacific governments that China seeks dominance over the region. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese…