Published 05/03/2025 16:52 | Edited 05/03/2025 18:26
On Wednesday (March 6), during the opening of the Annual Session of the National Popular Assembly (ANP), the Chinese government revealed an increase of 7.2% in the defense budget for 2025, totaling 1,78465 trillion yuans (US $ 249 billion). The amount, presented in the preliminary budget report, awaits formal approval by the legislature, controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This is the ninth consecutive year of military growth above 7%, keeping China as the second largest military speaker in the world, behind only the US.
Taiwan, Southern Sea of China and rivalry with the USA
The increase occurs in a scenario of growing regional friction. Beijing reinforces his posture in sensitive areas, such as the Taiwan Strait – which he considers an integral part of his territory – and disputes in the Southern Sea of China. China has the largest number of naval vessels and other ships in the world.
In addition, technological and strategic rivalry with the United States, which approved a record budget of $ 886 billion to 2024, accentuates the race for advanced war capacities, including hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence.
“The increase is necessary to safeguard national sovereignty and face complex threats,” said Li Qiang, Chinese Prime Minister, during the ANP. He warned that “changes never seen in a century were unfolding around the world at a faster pace.”
In one of China’s most striking demonstrations since Trump has become president-and occurs as leaders gather in Beijing for the Annual Meeting of the National Congress of the People, the China Embassy in Washington republished in the X (former Twitter), a statement from the government made on Tuesday (4): “If it is war what the US want, whether a tariff war, a commercial war or any other type of war, we are Ready to fight to the end. ”
China should also put its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, in operation this year. Some observers indicate that Beijing may also be planning to build a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
It is estimated that the country has a stock of more than 600 operational nuclear warheads, with even more being placed in operation.
It also seems to be strengthening research and development in cyber, spatial and artificial intelligence, using advanced civil technologies.
Military Modernization: Where will the resources be applied?
Experts point out that the resources will be directed to:
- State -of -the -art technology: Development of antimysis defense systems, combat drones and nuclear weapons.
- Navy and Air Force: Expansion of the naval fleet (already the largest in the world) and modernization of stealth fighters, such as the J-20.
- Cyberguerra and space: Investments in military satellites and electronic war abilities.
- Training and salaries: Improvement in recruitment conditions, amid reports of difficulties to attract young people in a competitive job market.
What to expect in the coming years?
The high trend in military spending should continue, according to Western intelligence reports. China seeks to reach the “full modernization” of its armed forces by 2035, aiming for military power status equipable to the US. At the same time, Beijing intensifies public diplomacy campaigns to justify growth, stating that his goal is “defense, not hegemonism.”
While China projects global strength, the increase in the defense budget lights debates on the balance between geopolitical ambitions and domestic demands. In a transforming multipolar world, the trillions of Yuans for the popular liberation army echo as a sign that Beijing will not retreat in his defense of sovereignty.
Source: vermelho.org.br
