China's role in missile and nuclear weapons proliferation has become one of 3 issues -- along with human rights and trade -- upon which the U.S. has focused its reassessment of U.S. policy toward China, and whether to attach conditions to the renewal of China's MFN trade benefits. Addresses the factors motivating Chinese conventional arms sales and speculates on means to influence them. Describes the history of PRC weapons exports, then examines various supply- and demand-side reasons for these transfers. Discusses sources of arms transfer restraints.

In July 1987, the U.S. began Persian Gulf escort operations for reflagged Kuwait tankers to guarantee safe passage through vital int'l shipping lanes threatened by the escalating Iran-Iraq War. This task was complicated for the American Navy by Iran's deployment of shore batteries of Chinese-manufactured HY-2 Silkworm anti ship missiles. Washington negotiated with Beijing, seeking to deny further anti ship missile deliveries to Teheran. However, disagreements over arms transfer issues prove a recurring source of bilateral friction. This book identifies recurring patterns in the global arms trade to put the study of China into perspective.

Developed by the Rand Corporation, the site contains chapters covering an Introduction; Background; Explaining China's Arms Transfers; Possible Constraints on China's Arms; Implications for the United States; An Overview of China's Arms Sales; and a Bibliography.

This book assesses current Chinese arms imports in the light of China's historical efforts to modernize its weapon-production capacity through foreign acquisitions. It considers the implications of these imports for future security developments in the East Asian region.