斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-Arms-transfers-to-Asia-and-Oceania

Summary of "ARMS TRANSFERS TO ASIA AND OCEANIA"

Core Content

This document provides an overview of international arms transfers to, from, and within Asia and Oceania, focusing on military spending, transparency, and the role of the region in the context of an arms trade treaty (ATT) under discussion by United Nations member states.

Main Points

• Background: The United Nations is currently discussing the feasibility of an ATT to improve controls on international arms transfers. This paper is part of a series of regional background analyses produced by SIPRI to inform these discussions.

• Arms Imports:

  • Asia and Oceania is the largest arms-importing region in the world.
  • In 2004-2008, Asia accounted for 39% of global imports of major conventional weapons.
  • Transfers to East Asia made up 67%, South Asia 25%, and Oceania 7% of Asian imports.
  • Top Importers: China, India, and South Korea are the top three importers in the region, with China alone accounting for 11% of global imports.
  • China's imports were primarily from Russia, while India's imports were mainly from Russia and other countries.
  • South Korea's arms imports increased significantly, with the majority coming from the United States.
  • Many countries in the region are modernizing their military forces and acquiring advanced weapons systems.

• Arms Exports:

  • Several countries in the region have indigenous arms industries, with potential for growth.
  • China is the largest arms exporter in the region, followed by other states such as India, South Korea, and Singapore.
  • Exports are often directed to countries with high international tensions or internal conflicts.
  • There is a risk of diversion of arms to non-state actors and private groups, as seen in the case of Chinese missiles to Hezbollah and Indonesian rifles possibly diverted to extremist groups in the Philippines.

• Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW):

  • Information on SALW is limited, but there are significant stocks in the region.
  • These weapons are available to both military and private actors, contributing to internal conflicts and crime.
  • SALW production and export are reported by some countries, including China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand.
  • The issue of SALW trafficking is a concern, with gaps in export procedures and transport controls.

• Transparency:

  • The UN Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) is used to monitor arms imports and exports, with most states in the region participating.
  • Transparency in arms procurement and military budgets is relatively high in some countries (e.g., Australia, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines).
  • However, few countries have been consistent in their reporting, and most of the White Papers produced are limited to general explanations of defense policies.
  • Increased transparency is essential for an effective ATT and to reduce misunderstandings and international tensions.

Key Information

• Military Spending: Asia and Oceania's military expenditure has increased every year since 1999. In 2008, China became the second-largest military spender globally.
• Regional Dynamics: High levels of military spending are driven by economic growth and regional tensions, such as those in the Korean Peninsula, India-Pakistan, and the South China Sea.
• Export Trends: While China is the largest arms supplier, other countries are also developing their export capabilities. However, exports are still relatively small in volume.
• Non-State Actors: There is a risk of diversion of arms to non-state actors, highlighting the need for stronger post-delivery controls.
• SALW Issues: Widespread availability of small arms in the region contributes to internal conflicts and crime. Data on SALW flows is limited, but some countries have reported on their exports.

Conclusion

Asia and Oceania remains a key region for international arms transfers due to its high levels of military spending and the presence of both importers and exporters. The region has the potential to influence the success of an ATT, but greater transparency in arms transfers is needed to ensure accountability and reduce the risk of misuse.