Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-19 21:45:05
China’s decision to significantly increase its defense spending this year and drop the mention of “peaceful unification” of Taiwan is causing uneasiness in the South China Sea region. Neighboring countries are expected to respond by increasing their military expenditure to counter Chinese aggression, further destabilizing the region.
Under Xi Jinping’s rule, China’s defense spending has more than doubled over the past decade, leading to escalated military conflict in the region. This year, China has allocated USD 231 billion for defense, marking a consecutive nine-year increase. The modernization of the People’s Liberation Army is a key focus for the Chinese government.
Experts believe that China’s actual defense spending is higher than the official numbers suggest, as it does not include military R&D, some procurement, paramilitary forces, and the coastguard. Tai Ming Cheung, director of the Institute on Global Conflict and Co-operation, believes that the actual rate of growth in defense spending is likely in the double digits year-on-year.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s omission of the “peaceful unification” of Taiwan during the National People’s Congress signals a more aggressive stance by China. This has prompted a strong reaction from Taipei, as the Chinese budget report indicates measures aimed at opposing Taiwan’s independence in 2024. Taiwan has reiterated its commitment to fighting for its freedom and has heavily invested in boosting its defense capabilities in response to constant military threats from China.
Taiwan has allocated 24.2% more to its defense sector this year in light of ongoing military threats and provocations from China. The International Institute for Strategic Studies warns that any Chinese attack on Taiwan could lead to a prolonged conflict, further escalating tensions in the region and prompting neighboring countries to enhance their military capabilities.
Japan, in particular, has been strengthening its military preparedness due to growing conflicts with China, especially concerning the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Japan has allocated a record USD 52.67 billion to defense this year and plans to double its defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2027. The Japanese defense white paper expressed serious concerns about China’s external stance and military activities, prompting Japan to bolster its national power in response.
The Philippines has also increased its defense spending to counter Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, earmarking USD 4.1 billion for military expenditure with annual double-digit growth. Indonesia has similarly increased its defense spending for military overhaul amid tensions with China and other ASEAN nations over maritime boundary disputes, planning for a 20% annual increase in defense funding.
South Korea has also ramped up defense spending in response to China’s growing military assertiveness, with military expenditure rising by 4.5% this year to USD 45 billion. Experts warn that aggressive interactions between the Chinese military and other regional forces could potentially escalate into a larger conflict, highlighting the risks of increased military spending in the South China Sea region.
In conclusion, China’s increased defense spending and aggressive military posture are driving neighboring countries to bolster their own military capabilities, raising concerns about the potential for conflict and instability in the South China Sea region.Dialogue and diplomacy may be key in preventing further escalation and maintaining peace and security in the region.
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