Xi Jinping boosts China's defense budget in bid to forge the world's most formidable army, posing a potential risk to India?

China's 7.2% hike in its defense budget amounts to a staggering $232 billion. Triple the size of India's, it piques interest over its military ambitions given the current global stage.
Like last year, China has again increased its defense budget by 7.2% this year. (Photo: Reuters)

Source: aajtak

China has escalated its defense budget by 7.2% to an impressive sum of 232 billion US dollars. In Indian currency, this amount exceeds 19.23 lakh crore rupees, a striking threefold increase compared to India's defense budget exceeding 6.21 lakh crore rupees this year. Does this pose a threat to India?

The consistent 7.2% increase in China's budget reflects its position as the second-largest spender on the military after the United States. China's investment may be three times that of India, but it pales in comparison to US expenditures, a colossal 70 lakh crore rupees.

Why is China ramping up its military spending? The reasons seem rooted in its ongoing tensions with the US, Taiwan, Japan, and its emphasis on high-tech military technology. China is ambitiously expanding its arsenal with state-of-the-art weaponry and bolstering its naval, air, and nuclear capabilities.

President Xi Jinping aims for a dominant military by 2050

Chinese President Xi Jinping has promised to shape the People's Army into the world's most powerful by 2050, focusing on indigenous technological advancements. China is now self-sufficient in producing cutting-edge weapons, aircraft, ships, missiles, and nuclear arms, foregoing foreign purchases.

Tai Ming Cheng, Director of the Institute of Global Conflict, asserts that comprehensive defense modernization and reforms will necessitate increased funding. China's defense spending ambitions could reach 30-35 times the current budget, not accounting for R&D, acquisitions, paramilitary, or coastguard expenses.

An era of weaponized innovation in China

Following three decades of R&D, China has stepped into an aggressive phase of military production, crafting missiles, fighter jets, and warships at an accelerated pace. As Xi Jinping drives toward a potent military force by 2050, incremental budget raises won't suffice – double-digit annual increases will be essential.

Xi previously informed military delegates about enhancing 'integrated national strategic systems and capabilities,' blending military and civilian technologies to forge a powerful unified force. With civilian sectors involved, dependence on international purchases will significantly drop.

Internal corruption challenges China's missile and rocket advancements

Despite a slowing economy, China's dedication to military budget growth indicates rapid preparation. However, recent corruption incidents have stalled progress in the air force, missile force, and rocket forces, with leaders and officers detained, suspended, or imprisoned. Yet, China continues to grow its military-industrial base, aiming to produce cost-effective yet powerful weapons.

How much of a threat does China's growing defense budget pose to India?

China's confrontations with at least four nations – the US, Taiwan, Japan, and India – coupled with its aspirations in contested waters, demands significant military fortification. India faces the risk of dual-front tensions as China not only develops advanced weaponry but shares its arsenal with Pakistan. Such scenarios could burden India, needing deployment of indigenous missiles and fighter jets at the borders, where information may be scarce.

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