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China’s military has been warned of ‘stormy seas’ ahead. What will the budget reveal?
- Analysts expect growth in defence spending to remain ‘moderate’ in 2024, in line with the last eight years
- They say there is no imminent plan for war but as tensions rise the risk of ‘unpredictable’ incidents will be a factor
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Amber Wangin Beijing
China’s political elite and lawmakers will gather in March for the country’s annual legislative sessions which will set budgets and lay down Beijing’s plans for the country’s economy, diplomacy, trade and military. In the third part of the series, Amber Wang looks at what to expect for defence at a tense time in geopolitics.
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China’s military has not fought a war since a navy battle with Vietnam in 1988, but few doubt its ambition to become the world’s top fighting force.
With geopolitical tensions heating up over Taiwan and the South China Sea in recent years, President Xi Jinping has warned the People’s Liberation Army of “stormy seas” ahead, telling troops to stay loyal and be ready to fight.
The world may learn more about the latest plan for the PLA – the biggest standing army with more than 2 million soldiers – when China’s top political advisory body and the national legislature gather for the “two sessions” next week.
Thousands of politicians and representatives will attend those meetings that begin on Monday, to set budgets and plans for the economy, diplomacy, trade and defence.
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Military spending will be closely watched for what it reveals about Beijing’s strategy for the PLA. Analysts expect a “moderate” budget increase in 2024 given the “more complex” international environment, even with the slowdown in the economy.
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