China, for the first time, has become the fourth largest weapons exporter in the world, Global Times reported, citing a report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

The report on the conventional weapons trade from 2009-2013 found that the USA and Russia are still the top two arms suppliers, respectively accounting for 29 percent and 27 percent of the volume of conventional weapons export.

China's export share grew to 6 percent, exceeding France's 5 percent, following Germany's 7 percent as the fourth largest exporter.

While in terms of import, India's share of global conventional weapons import stood at 14 percent among the largest buyers, followed by China and Pakistan, both accounting for 5 percent.

The top five conventional weapons importers are all located in Asia.