China has decided to increase its defense spending by 7.1 percent, the highest increase since 2019. This increase in spending is significant, as the country's economy is projected to grow at the lowest rate of 5.5 percent this year in many decades.
In the wake of the political instability caused by the Ukraine war, the world will keep a close eye on China's defense budget. China has refused to support either side or condemn the Russian attack. Many experts believe that China could look for opportunities in the Taiwan campaign. Beijing views Taiwan as a rogue state and often hints at plans to seize the country by force.
Mahan Malik, a visiting fellow at the Washington-based Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, says the world's attention is now focused on Ukraine, the escalation of conflict across the Taiwan Strait across the South China Sea and India's disputed Himalayan border cannot be ruled out.
He said the Indo-Pacific region seems to be a dangerous place to live for decades.
China will spend 9 229.46 billion on defense this year, according to estimates by Prime Minister Li
to the National People's Congress and the Chinese parliament. China's defense budget will increase from 7.6 percent in 2020 to 7.8 percent in 2021.
Researchers estimate that the actual cost will be about 26 trillion dollars. However, much more will be spent on the military border road infrastructure sector, the cost of which is shown under the defense sector.
"We will increase military training and war readiness, conduct military operations, and be determined and flexible in the interests of China's sovereignty, security and welfare," Li said.
Researchers say China is now forced to increase spending on defense research and development because the United States is blocking the flow of their technology. Some European countries have taken similar steps.
Military behavior in neighboring areas is a major concern for China. Most of China's neighbors, including those bordering the South China Sea, are appalled by the strength and rise of the People's Liberation Army, which represents China's army, navy and air force.
The general staff of the Ukrainian army said that Moscow's forces had begun to gather everything they needed for Humor over Kiev. They have begun bringing their tanks and mechanical infantry units to nearby towns to build groundwork.
He added that Russian commanders were supplying fuel from Belarus through the Chernobyl special zone.
Meanwhile, Russian forces are reportedly working to encircle Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Semi and the southern city of Mykolaiv.
Ukrainian authorities say Russian bombings continue in three cities northwest of the capital, Kiev, Hostommel and. The Ukrainian army is trying to thwart a possible Russian advance by digging trenches in Kiev and creating roadblocks.
President Zelensky says Russian troops have completely destroyed the airport in western Ukraine. He further added that Russian forces were preparing to bomb Odessa, an important port city on the Black Sea coast. The city of Kharkiv, which has been under siege for several days, is reported to have been shelled again by civilian infrastructure.
In the wake of the political instability caused by the Ukraine war, the world will keep a close eye on China's defense budget. China has refused to support either side or condemn the Russian attack. Many experts believe that China could look for opportunities in the Taiwan campaign. Beijing views Taiwan as a rogue state and often hints at plans to seize the country by force.
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