<p>Beijing’s rising role as a major arms exporter over the last two decades has attracted scholarly attention and generated a pedantic debate about the role of arms transfer in its foreign policy, particularly in states in its periphery. Against this background, this study uses an empirical and inductive inquiry method to examine the role of arms transfers in shaping China-Myanmar bilateral relations over three decades (1990–2024). Our findings suggest that, in light of Western sanctions on Myanmar, continuing arms transfer has been a significant component of their bilateral relations over the last three decades. It extends Beijing’s strategic outreach over Myanmar and contributes to shielding its predatory geopolitics in the region. This study reveals that it orientates Myanmar policies, leading to some extent preferential treatment to China in economic projects. These dynamics have regional geopolitical implications and consolidated China’s leverage over the Bay of Bengal (BOB) and the wider Indo-Pacific region.</p>