China Edges Out Germany to Become the World's Third Largest Arms Exporter

China’s exports of weapons rose by a 143% between 2010 and 2014, making the world’s second largest economy the third largest arms exporter behind Russia and top dog the U.S.

The Asian superpower rose above Germany, which had held third place until 2010 but saw its exports reduce by 43% over the same period, according to a report Monday from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

China also remains one of the top 10 importers of arms, but saw that number decrease by 42% over the past decade, the report said. The most significant jump in arms exports came among nations in the Gulf and the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia becoming the second largest importer of major weapons worldwide.

Write to Rishi Iyengar at rishi.iyengar@timeasia.com.