The Competitiveness and Complementarity of Arms Trade of Countries along the "Belt and Road" and its Dynamic Evolution: Based on Complex Network Analysis Method

This paper uses network analysis to study the competitiveness and complementarity and its dynamic change of arms trade among countries along the "Belt and Road" during 2004-2016. The research shows that: (1) The arms trade relations of the countries along the "belt and road" are increasingly strengthened, the trade network density is increased, and the trade centralization trend is obvious. Trade competition intensifies and is greater than trade complementarity. (2) In terms of the complementary relationship of arms trade, there are two important national blocks. One is an export-oriented block composed of Russia and some central-eastern European countries. The other is a compatible type block composed of China, India and other countries. (3) In terms of arms trade competitiveness, the countries along "Belt and Road" are divided into three competing groups: the first group is composed of Russia, Israel and some central-eastern European countries; The second group is composed of China, India and other emerging arms producing and selling countries. The third is a wide range of other countries along the "Belt and Road".