Army in US $72 million arms deal with China

President Robert Mugabe's government, has ordered US $72 million worth of arms from China, the 'Zimbabwe Independent' reported on Friday. The newspaper said that a US $6 million down payment had already been made for anti-personnel shells, hand grenades, rifle grenades and tank ammunition. It said tanks were also believed to be on the order. Military spokesman Colonel Chancellor Diye was quoted as saying that the defences ministry was "not aware of the alleged purchase of military hardware from China". The newspaper quoted details of a government directive to the central bank to make the 5 percent down payment to China North Industries Corporation, including the arms manufacturer's bank account number, bank advance payment guarantee number and import licence number.