China has been investing a lot of money in its military for years. The high spending is worrying some observers.
China plans to spend 7.2 percent more on its military this year than last year. The increase in the defense budget to 1.67 trillion yuan (around 214 billion euros) emerged from the draft budget presented at the start of the Beijing People’s Congress.
Beijing had already increased its military budget by the same amount last year. The decision to increase the budget is also likely to be related to the tense relationship with Taiwan, which China views as a breakaway province, and disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Experts have not yet expected a war to break out in the strait between China and Taiwan. However, Beijing wants reunification with the island republic – if necessary with military means.
The People’s Republic maintains the largest army in the world in terms of an estimated two million active soldiers. China’s defense budget has grown faster than total spending in recent years.
The increase was also mostly above the economic growth rate. However, according to experts, the official military budget only reflects a portion of the true expenditure, as many expenses for the People’s Liberation Army are also covered by other budgets.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
