Beijing's arms imports have dropped significantly over the past five years, declining by nearly three-quarters.

A recent report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reveals that China has been focusing more on developing domestic technology rather than relying on overseas weapons purchases. In contrast, other countries in the Asia-Pacific region have been increasing their arms imports due to concerns about China's intentions.

The SIPRI report highlights that countries in Asia and Oceania accounted for 31% of global arms imports between 2021 and 2025, ranking second after Europe at 33%. However, the region's overall share of arms imports has decreased by 20% compared to the previous five-year period. This decline is primarily attributed to substantial decreases in arms sales to China, which saw a 72% reduction, as well as reductions in arms purchases by South Korea (54% decrease) and Australia (39% decrease).

China, once among the top 10 largest recipients of major arms globally, has fallen to the 21st position, marking the first time it has dropped out of the top 10 since 1991-1995. The significant decrease in China's arms imports underscores a strategic shift towards self-reliance and indigenous defense capabilities, signaling a departure from its historical dependence on foreign arms suppliers.