A UN panel of experts says a major Chinese state-owned arms supplier sold more than USD 20 million of weapons to South Sudan's government last year, several months into the country's deadly conflict.
The experts' report was made public today. It says China North Industries Corp, or Norinco, sold South Sudan's government 100 anti-tank guided missile launchers, 1,200 missiles, about 2,400 grenade launchers, nearly 10,000 automatic rifles and 24 million rounds of various types of ammunition.
The report also says South Sudan's military has somehow obtained four attack helicopters since the start of the conflict. It had none before then.
The UN Security Council is now considering a US-drafted resolution that would impose an arms embargo on South Sudan if its government doesn't sign a peace deal within days.
