China has indicated that it is against joining the suggested 50% cut in defense spending together with the United States and Russia. China’s “limited” military expenditure is crucial to ensure the protection of its national sovereignty, security, and development interests, a Foreign Ministry spokesman declared.
The plan, which was first initiated by US President Donald Trump, entailed that the world’s biggest military powers cut their defense budgets by half. Trump was positive about the workability of this action, with him saying on February 13 that he was going to make a case out of the project with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin welcomed the idea, referring to it as a “good idea” and expressing Russia’s willingness to make such cuts if both America and China were agreeable. China’s spokesperson, however, ruled out the possibility, pointing out that Beijing maintains a self-defense military policy, does not take part in arms races, and matches defense expenditure to national security priorities. The spokesperson also emphasized China’s role in ensuring global stability, contending that its military modernization is necessary to ensure regional peace.
China, the world’s second-largest military spender after the US, spent about $232 billion on its military in the previous year, an increase of 7.2%. Speculation continues that Beijing might further increase its defense budget due to Trump’s urging to increase American military prowess. Global defense spending, on the other hand, has hit a record high of $2.43 trillion, highlighting increasing geopolitical tensions.
Whereas Putin restated that Russia remains willing to negotiate on defense spending cuts, he did admit that China might not have the same attitude. Despite the massive amount of military investments made by his nation, he implied that Washington and Moscow might still be able to pursue a deal separately with Beijing having the liberty to participate if it desires.
