China is the developing world’s largest importer of military weapons, according to a new report.

The US Congressional Research report found China imported $3.6bn of conventional arms in 2002.

And between 1995-2002, the permanent Security Council member took orders totalling $17.8bn.

The US, for its part, continues to dominate the export side of the equation, selling $8.6bn (48.6 per cent) of arms to developing nations. Second place Russia sold $5bn (28.3 per cent).

Ukraine received $1.6bn of orders, Italy $1.5bn and Germany and France $1.1bn each.

South Korea imported $1.9bn of arms, with India ($1.4bn), and Oman ($1,3bn, coming third and fourth respectively.

It is estimated sales to developing countries made up about two-thirds of arms sales worldwide during 2002.