Blowback: China's Weapons Proliferation in Africa

China's continued weapons exports to Africa undermine its economic and security interests on the continent. Ironically, this could prompt an even greater Chinese presence there.

A Chinese armed personnel carrier (APC) on the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe. Image source

China has become Africa's largest arms supplier, surpassing Russia earlier this year. This comes amid Beijing's rapidly expanding economic influence in the continent, where it invested nearly $22 billion dollars last year in construction, mining, and more through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, the lax means by which China exports weapons to Africa frequently clashes with the interests of its security partners and investments there, leading to unintended consequences.