Indo-Pacific's military equipment buying spree risks arms race

Region's economic growth propels weapons export volume to Cold War levels

The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have expressed interest in purchasing F-35 stealth jets. (Source photo by Reuters)

SHOTARO MIYASAKA and JUNNOSUKE KOBARA, Nikkei staff writers

November 1, 2020 15:30 JST

TOKYO -- Global arms exports are on the rise. From the Middle East to Southeast Asia, emerging economies are building up their arsenals. This time, unlike during the Cold War, weapons export countries are marketing their products with more of a business mindset than a political one, but if these weapons are implemented, they could trigger an arms race and exacerbate regional tensions.