China not driving factor behind Southeast Asian nations arms buying binge

China has denied reports that Southeast Asian nations are building up their militaries and edging closer strategically to the US as a hedge against China's rise

The latest data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows that weapon purchases in Southeast Asian region almost doubled from 2005 to 2009.

Li Qinggong, deputy secretary-general of the China Council for National Security Policy Studies, said China was not the driving factor behind the buying binge.

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