img

New Delhi: China has justified its massive $249 billion defence budget, emphasizing that the increased spending is essential to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity amid rising security challenges.

This new budget, which marks a significant increase from last year's $232 billion, was announced by Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday during the annual parliament session.

Why Is China Increasing Its Defence Budget?

According to Senior Colonel Wu Qian, the Defence Ministry Spokesperson, China’s military faces "tough challenges" in protecting its borders and national interests. The increased funding will be used to:

  • Develop advanced military capabilities, including new-domain forces with cutting-edge technology.
  • Enhance reconnaissance and early warning systems to improve national security.
  • Strengthen joint strike capabilities and battlefield support operations.
  • Upgrade military training and modernize logistics for greater combat readiness.
  • Deepen defence and military reforms to create a more efficient and powerful force.

China’s Defence Budget vs. the US and India

China's military budget is now the second-largest in the world, trailing only behind the United States, which has proposed a staggering $890 billion defence budget under President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, India, one of China’s key regional rivals, has allocated ₹6,81,210 crore (around $78.8 billion) for its defence sector. China's increasing military expenditure is raising concerns among its neighbours, particularly India, amid ongoing border tensions and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.

Criticism Over China's Military Modernization

China’s rapid military expansion has drawn scepticism from global analysts and critics. The country has been aggressively building aircraft carriers, deploying advanced stealth fighters, and expanding its naval fleet at an unprecedented pace.

However, Wu Qian defended the spending, claiming that compared to major powers like the US, China’s military expenditure remains low in proportion to GDP, fiscal budget, per capita spending, and per soldier allocation.

China’s Message: "Peace Needs Strength"

On Tuesday, Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the National People’s Congress (NPC), reinforced China's stance, stating that "peace needs to be safeguarded with strength."

With rising geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and Indo-Pacific, China’s military buildup is being closely watched. The question remains: Is China preparing for defence—or dominance?

China defense budget 2025 Why China spends $249B on military China vs India defense spending China military budget comparison India vs China military strength Global defense spending 2025 China’s military expansion China justifies defense budget Geopolitical tensions in Asia India’s response to China’s budget US vs China military spending China’s rising military power South China Sea military buildup China’s defense modernization India’s defense budget 2025 China’s military strategy China vs India arms race China’s military dominance Indo-Pacific security threats China’s growing defense expenditure China’s defense policy explained Military balance in Asia China’s national security spending Defense spending trends 2025