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China now spends more than the next 25 Asian nations combined on defence. Over the decade, its spending has grown 75% compared to 33% for the region. India is the second-largest military spender, then Japan, South Korea, Australia and Taiwan.Summary
David Uren writing in The Strategist, makes the following points:
- China, India, and Japan are increasing military spending due to geopolitical tensions.
- China's military spending exceeds the combined outlays of the next 25 biggest nations in the region.
- China's spending growth has outstripped that of other nations, rising by 75% over the last decade.
- The US has the largest military, but the Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought an increase in spending in Europe and the US.
- Lower defence spending in most nations has freed up funds for welfare, education, and infrastructure.
References
Recent Runway Posts related to this topic:
- National Defence: Defence Strategic Review 2023 COLLECTION | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- SUBMARINES & AUKUS—01: COLLECTION | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
References from the Web:
- MAR 2023 China to increase defence spending 7.2 per cent, sets economic growth target of 'around 5 per cent' for 2023-9 News (CNN)
- MAY 2023 In new battle for the Pacific, US and China force regional states to take sides-the Guardian
- MAY 2023 China’s war chest: how Beijing is using its currency to insulate against future sanctions-the Guardian
Source Information:
- Article Source: The Strategist | ASPI's analysis and commentary site (aspistrategist.org.au)
- Media Check: The Australian Strategic Policy Institute is a wholly-owned Commonwealth Company formed in 2001 as an independent, non-partisan think tank..: HIGH CREDIBILITY
- RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC
