China Proposes 7.2% Increase in Defense Spending for 2025
The Chinese government has proposed a 7.2% increase in defense spending for fiscal year 2025, reaching 1.78 trillion yuan ($246 billion). This marks the tenth consecutive year of single-digit growth in defense spending.
The proposed budget, submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) on Wednesday, follows the 7.2% increases approved for the previous two fiscal years. The figures were presented in a report prepared by the Ministry of Finance and distributed to lawmakers at the opening of the third session of the 14th NPC.
Last year, the central government proposed defense spending of 1.67 trillion yuan for fiscal year 2024, and 1.55 trillion yuan for fiscal year 2023.
Importance of Military Strength for China
At a press conference on Tuesday, Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the 14th NPC, emphasized the importance of military strength for China and its positive impact on the world.
"Peace requires strength to safeguard," Lou said. "A China with strong national defense capabilities can better defend its national sovereignty, security and development interests, more effectively fulfill its international responsibilities as a major country, and better maintain global peace and stability."
Lou also pointed out that China's defense spending as a proportion of GDP has remained below 1.5% for many years, lower than the global average.
Comparison with US Military Spending
The United States remains the world's largest military spender, with a proposed budget of $850 billion for fiscal year 2025. A significant portion of this spending is directed towards China, as the US National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025 designates China as an "adversarial nation.
12 Comments
Raphael
A stronger China can engage confidently in global peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid.
Leonardo
Considering tensions globally, it only makes sense that China responsibly invests in its own security.
Michelangelo
A strong China ensures regional stability and global balance. This defense spending increase is absolutely justified.
Donatello
A stronger defense doesn't equate aggression—it's merely a prudent measure to ensure national strength and sovereignty.
Leonardo
Every sovereign nation has the right and responsibility to ensure its national security—this includes China.
Muchacha
Imagine if that budget was put towards green initiatives or tackling air pollution instead.
Habibi
Critics should recognize the reasonable nature of the increase—especially against the backdrop of the substantially larger U.S. defense budget.
Coccinella
China's escalation in military spending raises serious concerns about their real intentions geopolitically.
ZmeeLove
Claims of peaceful development lose credibility when defense budgets keep rising every single year.
Bella Ciao
Improving military capacity allows China more effectively to fulfill its international duties and safeguard peace.
Muchacha
Instead of more weapons, why not invest in healthcare, education, and environment protection?
Mariposa
Military-focused spending growth is alarming—regional tensions will only escalate.