China Tightens Control Over Its Growing Arms Trade

China has become one of the world’s biggest suppliers of weapons. Photo: Xinhua

SCMP: China targets tighter controls on its growing arms trade

* Beijing’s weapons business is expanding but export regulations are fragmented, the country’s commerce minister says
* Legislation would shed light on an opaque system and bring it into line with international standards, according to analysts

China is set to introduce legislation to tighten control over the country’s opaque sales of arms and nuclear technology, as it becomes a bigger player in the global weapons trade.

China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress, is considering a draft law that would specify restricted goods, technology and services, including dual-use nuclear products.

Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said the legislation was needed to consolidate the country’s fragmented export controls.

“The scope of the restricted items, and the controls on them are not completely in line with those of other countries, and are outdated,” Zhong said.

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WNU Editor:  The Chinese are at least admitting that their arms trade is out of control.