China's defence budget – the trend of the ascending numbers

• Main Author: Jash, Amrita
• Other Authors: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
• Format: Commentary
• Language: English
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: Social Sciences; Country and region studies; International politics and security
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/178461
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

China’s defence budget reflects the country’s increasing military might and aspirations, with the 14th Five-Year Plan seeking to modernise the People’s Liberation Army and bolster national security. Incremental and sustained defence spending, with targets like modernisation in 2027, 2035, and mid-century, demonstrates this commitment. The lack of transparency about China’s real numbers raises concerns about its intentions, and therefore its increasing defence budget calls for caution.