With a share of the sub-Saharan African arms market of 18 percent in 2004–2007, China ranks second after Germany at 24 percent and ahead of the UK at 15 percent, according to a report to the US Congress. These numbers should however be accepted with reservation, as reliable information on arms transfers is very hard to obtain. According to the report, European suppliers accounted for nearly 60 percent of the value of all arms deliveries to Africa. The value of Beijing’s arms deliveries to the continent during the period was about $800 million. Chinese military equipment, mainly small arms and light weapons, is especially attractive to Africa as it is usually much cheaper than Western counterpart equipment. about $800 million. Chinese military equipment, mainly small arms and light weapons, is especially attractive to Africa as it is usually much cheaper than Western counterpart equipment.