U.S. welcomes China's growing role as arms supplier.

• Author: Erwin, Sandra I.
• Position: Defense Insider

America's fiscal crisis, war fatigue and the public's isolationist mood are certain to put a damper on U.S. military efforts to rebuild war-ravaged countries and prop up failing states. Today's biggest spenders on foreign development assistance and stability operations--the United States, Europe and Japan--are all in the throes of economic downturn.

Nowhere would cutbacks in foreign military assistance be felt more acutely than in Africa, home of seven of the world's top 10 "failed states." These virtually lawless nations, which the United States considers "safe havens" for extremist groups and pirates, include Somalia, Chad, Sudan, Zimbabwe the Democratic Republic of Congo. Central African Republic and Guinea.

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But as the United States dials back its role as the world's policeman, China increasingly is expected to fill the gap, at least in Africa.

"It is very clear that the Chinese, like us and like many others, are engaged in supporting African militaries with equipment," said Army Gen. Carter Ham, commander of U.S. Africa Command.

China stepping up its role as arms supplier to African nations is welcome by the U.S. military because it contributes to counterterrorism efforts, Ham told reporters during a breakfast meeting in Washington, D.C.

China, for instance, is supplying the...