"China Must Increase Defense Budget to Build Stronger Military Capabilities"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Ahead of China’s largest political event, the Two Sessions (Lianghui), there have been calls for China to increase its defense budget this year to build stronger military capabilities.

On the 19th, Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of the Global Times, cited three reasons why this year’s defense budget should be increased: ▲ China’s economy is expected to return to positive growth from the second quarter ▲ the need for defense has intensified due to pressure from the United States ▲ China’s defense spending as a percentage of GDP remains lower than that of other countries.

Editor Hu stated, “Although China’s economy experienced a severe negative growth in the first quarter, most economists predict positive growth from the second quarter onward, with overall positive growth possible for the year. The defense budget should increase in proper balance with the national economy and fiscal expenditure, and China has the economic foundation to increase military spending this year.”

He added, “The scale of military spending must consider both the level of national economic development and defense needs, and this year, defense needs are being given particularly significant consideration. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the United States is unprecedentedly agitated. The ruling elites in the U.S. are increasingly open about their hostility toward China and their strategic impulse to exert extreme pressure on China is becoming more aggressive.” He continued, “China needs to possess stronger military power to prevent the U.S. from acting on this impulse. This is a protective wall that benefits everyone and forms the foundation for China to live peacefully in these uncertain times.”

Furthermore, he noted, “China’s defense budget has typically been maintained at a low level of 1% of GDP, standing at 1.2% last year. This is much lower than the U.S. at 3.4%, India at 2.5%, and Russia at 3.8%, and even below the 2% level that the U.S. has demanded from NATO member countries.” Editor Hu said, “It is an inevitable adjustment for China’s defense budget to enter the 2% range of GDP. China must become strong enough that no other country can threaten it by military means. I look forward to seeing how China will announce its 2020 defense budget.”

Editor Hu’s call for an increase in the defense budget came ahead of the announcement of this year’s defense budget during the National People’s Congress work report on the 22nd. Last year, China’s defense budget increased by 7.5% to 11.1899 trillion yuan (205 trillion won). China’s defense budget growth rate exceeded 10% until 2015 but has maintained a 7-8% range with 7.6% in 2016, 7% in 2017, 8.1% in 2018, and 7.5% in 2019 amid Western criticism of China’s military rise.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.