Beijing, March 4: China indicated plans to further boost its defence budget, currently the world's second-largest after the United States, underscoring the message that peace and sovereignty require military strength.
China's Premier Li Qiang will formally announce the defence budget figures as part of the national budget during the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) on Wednesday.
In 2024, China's defence spending rose by 7.2%, reaching approximately USD 232 billion (1.67 trillion yuan)—over three times India's defence budget—reflecting China's sustained drive towards extensive modernisation of its armed forces. This expansive military overhaul includes developing aircraft carriers, accelerating construction of advanced naval vessels, and producing sophisticated stealth aircraft.
However, China's stated military budget often draws international scepticism due to the rapid pace and scale of these modernisation initiatives, prompting questions about transparency.
Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the NPC, addressed these concerns at a press briefing on Tuesday, stating emphatically, "Peace needs to be safeguarded with strength."
Lou highlighted that robust national defence capabilities enable China to more effectively protect its sovereignty, security, and development interests. He argued this capability also supports China's role in maintaining international peace and stability, enhancing its global responsibilities as a major nation.
Emphasizing moderation, Lou noted that China's defence expenditure relative to its GDP remains below the global average. China's annual military budget growth has consistently been in single digits since 2016, marking nine consecutive years of measured increases.
He further pointed out that China's defence spending has been consistently maintained below 1.5% of GDP for many years.
The official defence expenditure details will be presented during the NPC's opening session, offering deeper insight into China's strategic priorities amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
China's Premier Li Qiang will formally announce the defence budget figures as part of the national budget during the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) on Wednesday.
In 2024, China's defence spending rose by 7.2%, reaching approximately USD 232 billion (1.67 trillion yuan)—over three times India's defence budget—reflecting China's sustained drive towards extensive modernisation of its armed forces. This expansive military overhaul includes developing aircraft carriers, accelerating construction of advanced naval vessels, and producing sophisticated stealth aircraft.
However, China's stated military budget often draws international scepticism due to the rapid pace and scale of these modernisation initiatives, prompting questions about transparency.
Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the NPC, addressed these concerns at a press briefing on Tuesday, stating emphatically, "Peace needs to be safeguarded with strength."
Lou highlighted that robust national defence capabilities enable China to more effectively protect its sovereignty, security, and development interests. He argued this capability also supports China's role in maintaining international peace and stability, enhancing its global responsibilities as a major nation.
Emphasizing moderation, Lou noted that China's defence expenditure relative to its GDP remains below the global average. China's annual military budget growth has consistently been in single digits since 2016, marking nine consecutive years of measured increases.
He further pointed out that China's defence spending has been consistently maintained below 1.5% of GDP for many years.
The official defence expenditure details will be presented during the NPC's opening session, offering deeper insight into China's strategic priorities amid escalating geopolitical tensions.