China announced a 7.2% increase in defense spending for the year, consistent with last year’s growth. This rise exceeds the government’s economic growth target and reflects ongoing military modernization efforts amid geopolitical tensions. The defense budget has increased substantially during Xi Jinping’s presidency, with goals set for military modernization by 2035.

China plans to increase its defense spending by 7.2% this year, aligning with last year’s growth as it navigates through economic challenges and geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Taiwan and Ukraine. The announcement, made during a parliamentary report, indicates that the defense budget will surpass the nation’s economic growth target of approximately 5%.

Since President Xi Jinping assumed leadership more than a decade ago, the defense budget has surged from 720 billion yuan in 2013 to 1.78 trillion yuan ($245.65 billion) in the current year. This rise reflects China’s intent to modernize its military capabilities amid global instabilities.

Xi Jinping’s agenda includes achieving full military modernization by 2035. The focus is on enhancing military capabilities through the development of advanced technologies such as missiles, ships, submarines, and surveillance systems, as well as improving combat readiness via extensive training and drills, particularly in relation to Taiwan.

A recent survey by the International Institute for Strategic Studies emphasized that the Chinese leadership is confronted with critical decisions regarding prioritization in military investment due to economic constraints. This budget increment occurs despite recent corruption scandals within the People’s Liberation Army, which led to the dismissal of two former defense ministers and a Central Military Commission member.

Currently, China remains the second-largest military spender globally, trailing only behind the United States, which has proposed a military budget of $850 billion for 2025.

China’s 7.2% increase in defense spending is a strategic move amidst challenging economic conditions and geopolitical unrest. As the military budget grows significantly under President Xi, the focus on modernization continues, aiming for advanced capabilities by 2035. Despite internal corruption issues, China’s military spending underscores its determination to enhance national security.

Original Source: www.voanews.com

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