China Announces 7.2% Increase in Defense Spending for 2025
China’s defense budget will rise by 7.2 percent in 2025, aligning with ongoing military modernization efforts amid strategic competition with the U.S. Despite having the second-largest military budget, China’s spending remains significantly lower than America’s. This budget increase reflects both external uncertainties and domestic security priorities, raising concerns among neighboring regions, particularly regarding Taiwan.
China announced a 7.2 percent increase in its defense budget for 2025, maintaining the same rate as the previous year. This rise occurs amid rapid modernization of the armed forces and increasing strategic competition with the United States. China, which possesses the second-largest military budget globally, still spends less than a third of what the U.S. allocates, although the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) boasts more personnel than its American counterpart.
This year, China’s military expenditures will amount to 1.78 trillion yuan ($245.7 billion), representing 1.6 percent of its GDP. This figure is notably lower compared to the military spending of the United States and Russia, as reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. China’s ongoing defense expansion is viewed with skepticism by Washington and regional players such as Japan, with whom Beijing has territorial disputes, particularly over the East China Sea.
China’s military activities have also been observed in the South China Sea, an area over which it claims sovereign rights, despite international arbitration ruling against such claims. The defense budget increase raises concerns for Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province that could face military action if necessary. The budget announcement coincides with the National People’s Congress’s opening session, indicating a strategic focus.
During this session, Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed China’s stand against separatist efforts aimed at Taiwan independence, emphasizing intentions for peaceful cross-Strait relations. China portrays its military posture as fundamental for preserving sovereignty, although its expansive territorial assertions have sparked regional anxieties over potential conflicts.
Chin-Hao Huang, an Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore, noted that the increase reflects “growing uncertainties in China’s external environment and domestic security priorities.” This budget enhancement is viewed as essential for keeping the PLA well-prepared and capable of addressing various challenges. Additionally, as the geopolitical landscape shifts, the likelihood of further military budget increments in Europe adds to the context of rising global military expenditures against U.S. disengagement.
The 7.2 percent increase in China’s defense budget illustrates its commitment to modernizing the military amid a competitive global landscape, primarily concerning the U.S. and regional tensions, particularly with Taiwan and Japan. While China continues to assert its military capabilities, its defense expansion fosters apprehension among neighboring countries and the international community, as geopolitical tensions remain elevated. This trend signals a potential escalation in military readiness across the globe.
Original Source: www.kulr8.com
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