South Korea was again the fifth largest buyer of conventional weapons between 2003 and 2007, the same ranking as in 1998-2002, according to data released Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The United States was the dominant supplier, accounting for 77 percent of South Korea's arms purchase for 2003-2007, up from 70 percent for 1998-2002.

The SIPRI tally showed France and Germany remained the second and third largest providers. For the recent years, France accounted for 9 percent of South Korea's weapons buys, followed by Germany's 5 percent.

During 1998-2002, Germany and France tied with 10 percent.

Other suppliers to South Korea included Canada, the Netherlands, Russia and Sweden.

The tally from the U.S. side showed South Korea ousted Taiwan to become the biggest recipients along with Israel during 2003-2007. Sales to these countries amounted to 12 percent each of U.S. global transfer of arms.

For 1998-2002, Taiwan was the biggest buyer with 11 percent, followed by Japan and Turkey at 9 percent.

WASHINGTON, March 31 (Yonhap)