SCMP: China reduces arms exports, as it may be preparing for an open confrontationMOSCOW, March 14/ Sputnik Radio.
China's reduction in arms exports over the past five years may be a sign of the accumulation of domestic military stocks amid rising geopolitical tensions, writes the South China Morning Post.
It is noted that according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China's share in global arms exports in 2018-2022 decreased from 6.3% to 5.2%, while imports increased by 4.1%.
China has joined the list of countries that are increasing their defense budget: so, in 2023, China's military spending will grow by 7.2%, the newspaper points out.
According to the interlocutor of the South China Morning Post, Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province that should reunite with the mainland, if necessary by force.
The publication notes that the increase in the defense budget may be due to China's need to increase its own military resources, as well as production disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the transportation of raw materials and industrial goods for military products could be suspended due to a shortage of labor, the article says.
However, Song Zhongping is confident that the volume of Chinese military orders will resume as the pandemic fades.
Earlier, Sputnik radio reported that the American media accused China of supplying Russia with equipment for its needs.
