Chinese donations to South America see economics trump politics
Tactical radios are just some of the types of equipment China has donated in recent years to South American militaries. (Photo: Uruguay MoD)
China donates military equipment to South American countries in order to access new markets. Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Uruguay and Peru were the main recipients of small arms, optronics, communication systems, field hospitals, vehicles and speedboats.
In order to access new markets for its defence systems, China has been donating military equipment to South American countries. Since the 2000s, armies in the region have received smalls weapons, optronics, communication systems, field hospitals, vehicles and speedboats.
In June this year, for instance, the Ecuadorian MoD released pictures of troops using Chinese AK-47 rifles during a ceremony in the army’s Special Forces Group No. 26 ‘Cenepa’, in Quevedo, Los Rios Province.
Apart from Ecuador, China also donated defence systems and materials to Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and Peru.
Beatriz Rauber, an expert in Chinese/Latin American relations and researcher at
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
