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By: The opinion Posted 04 Mar 2023, 21:07 pm EST
In the midst of the war in Ukraine and constant international tensions, the government of China announced that it will again increase its military budget in the present year.
Wang Chao, the spokesman for the National People’s Congress, China’s legislative body, addressed the media on the eve of its annual meeting and announced that the increase in the military budget will continue with the trend bullish presented in the last three years.
According to The Guardian, Wang did not say how much the budget would increase, but said it was “appropriate and reasonable.” and that it was necessary for China to meet complex security challenges and to “fulfill its responsibilities as a major country.”
“The modernization of the Chinese army will not pose a threat to any country”Wang said. “On the contrary, it will only be a positive force to safeguard regional stability and world peace,” the Chinese spokesman added.
Wang Chao stated that the increase in the defense budget as a proportion of GDP had been moderate and below the world average. Last year’s 1.45 trillion yuan ($190 billion) budget was an increase of 7.1% and followed an increase of 6.8% in 2021 and 6.6% in 2020.
The Chinese military under the leadership of Xi Jinping
Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has continued to significantly expand and overhaul its military. Currently has the largest infantry and the largest army in the world, and continues to increase its arsenal of missiles, warships, submarines, and aircraft, including nuclear-capable bombers and stealth fighters.
Under Xi’s leadership, the Chinese military has been tasked with preparing for a possible war, probably by Taiwan, which Xi says is a province of China that must be “reunified,” despite overwhelming opposition from its government and people.
One of China’s most significant recent shows of force took place in August, when major live-fire drills were held around the main island of Taiwan in retaliation for a visit to Taipei by then-US President Nancy Pelosi.
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