The Chinese government announced it will raise its defense budget by 7.2% this year, continuing its efforts to expand and modernize its military, which analysts believe aims to challenge the US military in Asia and enforce its territorial claims.

This budget, totaling approximately $245 billion, was revealed at the annual legislature meeting of the National People’s Congress. It marks the same increase as last year and is below the double-digit percentage increases of previous years, signifying a general economic slowdown but aligning with the global trend of rising defense spending.

China’s strategic development of advanced military technologies, including nuclear weapons and aircraft carriers, is reportedly driven by tensions with the United States, Taiwan, Japan, and other neighbors with South China Sea claims.

The People’s Liberation Army has established bases on artificial islands in the South China Sea. However, geopolitical experts view China’s primary objective as establishing control over Taiwan, a democratic, self-governing territory that Beijing claims as its own.

At the National People’s Congress, Premier Li Qiang stated that while China prefers a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan issue, it “firmly opposes” those advocating for Taiwan’s formal independence and their international supporters.

“Our commitment is to advance the cause of China’s reunification and collaborate with our fellow Chinese in Taiwan to achieve the glorious goal of the Chinese nation’s rejuvenation,” Li said.

China’s military spending ranks second globally, trailing only the United States, where it also maintains the world’s largest navy.

In response to the “rapidly changing international situation” and escalating threats from adversaries, Taiwan, which has strong ties to the US, has announced plans to increase its military expenditure.

Source: https://www.euronews.com/2025/03/05/china-to-keep-defence-budget-boost-at-72-this-year