Question No. 18

Page: 45

Senator Ludlam

A. I understand that the two largest exporters of arms into Burma are Russia and China. Can the department describe what representations have been made to those two countries in that regard?

B. If Russia and China are not the two largest exporters, can the department advise which country is the largest exporters of arms into Burma?

C. Can the department advise the order of size of weapon exports being made and what representations the Australian government has either made or plans on making?

Answer

A. Reliable information on arms exports to Burma, including origins and quantities, is difficult to obtain so the Department is not able to confirm that Russia and China are the two largest exporters of arms. There are no UN prohibitions on arms exports to Burma. Australia has implemented a national ban on the export of arms to Burma. The Australian Government has not made representations to Russia and China on arms exports to Burma, nor are we planning to do so.

B. See answer to A above.

C. See answer to A above.