China refutes intl institute report on its arms export

China on Tuesday refuted a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) that accused it of being a leading exporter of light and small arms.

"The Chinese government always takes a prudent and responsible attitude with regard to military exports including small arms and light weapons," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a regular press briefing.

Hong said China, according to its international obligations and relevant domestic laws, strictly abides by the principle of not damaging international and regional peace and stability and noninterference in the domestic affairs of recipient countries. China never exports arms to non-state entities.

He noted that China also strictly abides by the principle of asking recipient countries to provide proof of final purpose and users.

China will work with the international community to jointly boycott the illegal trade of light and small arms to avoid affecting international security, the spokesman added.

The report, released by the SIPRI in October, said China has long been one of the world's most significant exporters of small arms and light weapons.