China Justifies Military Budget Increase Amid Complex Security Challenges
China has defended a 7.2 percent rise in military spending, emphasizing the need for enhanced capabilities to address a complex security environment. This increase, amounting to 1.81 trillion yuan (US$250 billion), aligns with the nation’s economic growth. The PLA aims to achieve modernization by 2027, amid heightened regional tensions and corruption challenges.
China has recently justified its increase in military spending, highlighting a 7.2 percent hike in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) budget in light of what it describes as a “complex security environment”. Defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian affirmed that this rise is “reasonable and steady” and aligns with the nation’s economic growth.
During the National People’s Congress, Wu acknowledged the ongoing challenges in transforming the PLA into a “world-class” military by 2027, marking its centenary. He stated that national defense spending would amount to 1.81 trillion yuan (approximately US$250 billion) for this year, reflecting extensive investments at the central level.
China’s military budget, now the second-largest globally, has maintained a consistent annual growth rate of 7.2 percent over the past three years. This trend contrasts with the nation’s economic growth targets, which have remained around 5 percent.
The recent increase in military expenditure comes amidst escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, alongside significant military corruption issues that have been surfacing in recent times.
In conclusion, China defends its military budget increase as a necessary response to complex security challenges, asserting that this growth is justified and aligned with economic trends. The call to enhance military capabilities aims to transform the PLA into a leading global force by its centenary in 2027. However, the situation remains complicated by regional tensions and corruption within military ranks.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
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