Russian arms exports to China dropped a dramatic 62 per cent last year, according to figures released today, in a development described by one expert as potentially marking the beginning of the end of high volume arms transfers between the two countries.

China has been the world's biggest arms importer for at least a decade - and more than 90 per cent of these imports have come from Russia. But last year its overall arms imports dropped by more than 60 per cent, suggesting China's industrial capabilities are beginning to approach those of its neighbour.