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.74 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.74 Chinese military
equipment, mainly small arms
and light weapons, is especially attractive
to Africa as it is usually much
cheaper than Western counterpart
equipment.75