During China’s annual two sessions, the focus often falls on two significant figures: the GDP growth target and the national defense budget. This year, China’s defense budget has seen an increase of 7.2 percent, reaching approximately 1.67 trillion yuan ($234.5 billion). This marks the ninth consecutive year of single-digit growth in China’s defense budget, demonstrating a consistent pace of development in the country’s military capabilities.
However, as is customary, the release of this data has sparked speculation and concerns about the so-called “China military threat theory,” particularly fueled by remarks from Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. Japan expressed “serious concerns” regarding China’s defense spending, citing perceived lack of transparency and calling it a strategic challenge. This response, while not surprising given Japan’s recent military expansion, raises eyebrows considering Japan’s own significant increase in defense spending.
Japan’s defense budget for the fiscal year 2024 has surged by 16.5 percent compared to the previous year, exceeding even China’s growth rate. This aggressive increase, coupled with Japan’s historical militaristic past, raises concerns about its intentions and the security implications for the Asia-Pacific region.
Contrary to Japan’s actions, China has consistently adhered to a defensive national defense policy, emphasizing sovereignty and territorial integrity. China’s military development is aimed at safeguarding its national interests and promoting regional and global peace and stability. The increase in defense spending is necessary to counter external pressures and safeguard against potential threats to China’s sovereignty.
Critics often compare China’s defense spending with that of the United States, highlighting the significant disparity in military expenditure between the two countries. China’s defense spending, both in terms of GDP proportion and per capita expenditure, remains relatively low compared to the US and other Western countries. The pressure exerted on China by Western countries, including Japan, contributes to the need for China to strengthen its national defense capabilities.
China’s increase in defense spending is a measured response to external pressures and is in line with its defensive national defense policy. Attempts to portray China as a military threat are unfounded and driven by ulterior motives aimed at undermining China’s legitimate military development.
Read Now:Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Unveil Development Projects Worth Over Rs 6,400 Crore in Srinagar
