China’s military budget is expected to increase significantly, with the government proposing a 7.2% rise to approximately 1.78 trillion yuan (around 231 billion euros). This is the second consecutive year of a substantial increase in military spending, with China already having the second-highest military expenditures after the United States.
Tensions with the US, Taiwan, Japan and neighboring countries, which have competing claims to the South China Sea, are driving the need for increasingly high-tech military technologies. These include stealth fighter jets, the country’s three (soon to be four) aircraft carriers and a broad expansion of its nuclear arsenal.
The Chinese government attributes the budget increases to exercises and maintenance, as well as improvements in the living conditions of its two million military personnel.
During his speech at the annual meeting of the People’s Congress, Premier Li Qiang told nearly 3,000 party members that China still prioritizes a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan issue, but will “firmly counter” those pushing for formal independence and their foreign supporters.
“We will resolutely drive forward the cause of China’s reunification and work together with our Chinese compatriots in Taiwan to achieve the glorious cause of rejuvenating the Chinese nation” Li said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who oversees the military, has already attempted to implement comprehensive reforms, including the removal of high-ranking military officials, including two former defense ministers and the head of the Rocket Corps.
The official news agency Xinhua published an article following the announcement, praising the government for keeping defense spending below 1.5% of GDP over the past decade and criticizing the US for not reducing its military expenditures. “China’s development strengthens the forces of peace in the world and the country will never seek hegemony or pursue expansion, regardless of its developmental stage” Xinhua said.
The People’s Congress, with around 3,000 delegates, is convening in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, with numerous sessions scheduled to discuss various government reports, which will be voted on at the end of the meeting.