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China's Arms Imports Plunge 75% as Domestic Tech Rises

3/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Beijing's arms imports have fallen by nearly 75% over the past five years, per SIPRI.
The decline follows China's shift toward domestic military technology.
Other Asia and Oceania countries have increased arms purchases due to concerns about China.
Between 2021 and 2025, these regions accounted for 31% of global arms imports, and China became the 21st-largest recipient, marking its first exit from the top 10 since 1991–95.

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Story summary

Beijing's arms imports have fallen by nearly 75% over the past five years, per SIPRI.
The decline follows China's shift toward domestic military technology.
Other Asia and Oceania countries have increased arms purchases due to concerns about China.
Between 2021 and 2025, these regions accounted for 31% of global arms imports, and China became the 21st-largest recipient, marking its first exit from the top 10 since 1991–95.