In recent weeks, China, under Xi Jinping, has ordered the Chinese military to boost war preparedness, a move that aligns with broader military exercises and strategic initiatives in the region. This development comes as tensions between China and the U.S. continue to escalate, particularly over Taiwan and China's increased assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Xi’s call to strengthen military readiness further solidifies China’s stance in the face of what it perceives as growing U.S. involvement in Asia, particularly in Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Here are five ways in which China is increasing its military readiness:
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Increased Military Spending: China has continuously increased its military budget, with a focus on modernizing its naval and air forces. In 2023, China’s military expenditure reached an estimated $296 billion, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous year.
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Expansion of Naval Capabilities: China has significantly expanded its naval power, commissioning more advanced warships and submarines. This includes the development of aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, essential for projecting power in the South China Sea and beyond.
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Enhanced Missile Systems: China has invested heavily in developing advanced missile systems, including hypersonic missiles capable of evading missile defenses, which are seen as critical for deterring U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Joint Military Exercises: China has increased joint military drills with Russia and other allies, especially in key strategic areas like the Sea of Japan. These exercises help improve interoperability between forces and demonstrate a united front against perceived Western aggression.
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Focus on Cyber and Space Warfare: China is investing in cyber warfare capabilities and space-based military technology. These areas are crucial for modern military dominance, as they allow for disruption of enemy communications and satellite-based systems critical for intelligence and military operations.
These efforts collectively showcase China's determination to bolster its military readiness in response to global geopolitical shifts, particularly the growing tension with the United States.
In light of these military maneuvers, there has been a noticeable uptick in defense expenditures among BRICS countries, signaling a broader trend of militarization in response to geopolitical pressures. Below is a list of some significant military purchases by BRICS nations over the last six months:
- China: China increased its military budget by approximately 6% in 2023, with investments focused on naval capabilities and advanced missile systems.
- Russia: Russia's military spending surged by 24%, driven by its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This includes significant purchases of tanks, missile systems, and other advanced weaponry.
- India: India continues to modernize its armed forces, focusing on enhancing its naval and air capabilities with the purchase of new submarines and fighter jets.
- Brazil: Brazil has ramped up defense spending with acquisitions aimed at bolstering its air force, including the purchase of Gripen fighter jets from Sweden.
- South Africa: South Africa has expanded its defense procurement to include anti-aircraft systems and armored vehicles, though at a smaller scale compared to other BRICS nations.
These military expenditures highlight the increasing strategic focus within BRICS countries as they prepare for potential conflicts and aim to assert their influence on the global stage. This trend mirrors escalating U.S.-China tensions, where both nations are not only involved in military posturing but are also competing economically and technologically, particularly in sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
In recent months, U.S. actions in the Indo-Pacific, including expanding military ties with Japan and Australia, have further strained relations with China. In September, China and Russia conducted joint military exercises in the Sea of Japan, demonstrating a growing partnership between the two nations, which both view as a counterbalance to U.S. presence in the region. As these tensions intensify, both China and the U.S. seem to be preparing for a possible future conflict, with Taiwan likely at the center of any confrontation.
The combination of military purchases by BRICS nations and heightened rhetoric from global powers suggests that the world is entering a new phase of strategic realignment, with China and the U.S. at the heart of this shift. The decisions made in the coming months will likely have lasting impacts on global peace and security.
