China says defence spending ‘entirely necessary’ after Putin backs mutual cuts

China Responds to Call for Defense Budget Cuts: A Balanced Approach to Security and Peace

In an increasingly tense geopolitical landscape, Beijing has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a balanced approach to defense spending. On February 25, Chinese officials responded to a proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump, backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that Russia, the U.S., and China should cut their defense budgets in half. While the idea has garnered some level of support, Beijing has made it clear that its defense spending is "entirely necessary" to protect national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

The Context of Rising Defense Spending

The discussion around defense budgets comes at a time when military spending has been on the rise in both Russia and China. Russia has significantly increased its defense spending since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, while China has also seen a steady increase in its military budget in recent years. These increases are largely driven by regional tensions, with China pointing to ongoing challenges in the Asia-Pacific region as a key reason for its spending. Despite these increases, Chinese officials have consistently emphasized that their military strategy is defensive in nature and not aimed at engaging in an arms race with any other nation.

Beijing’s Stance on Peaceful Development and Defense

At a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development. "China has always adhered faithfully to the path of peaceful development," Lin stated. He also highlighted that limited defense spending is necessary to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as to contribute to global peace. Lin emphasized that China has always "persevered in coordinated economic and defense development and does not engage in arms races with any country." This statement reflects Beijing’s efforts to balance its economic growth with its defense needs, ensuring that its military capabilities are proportionate to the threats it faces.

Diplomatic Engagement and the Role of Leadership

The Chinese response to the proposal on defense budget cuts comes shortly after a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. During their conversation, the two leaders discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, among other issues. While Putin expressed support for Trump’s proposal, calling it "a good idea," he also acknowledged that he could not speak for China. Beijing has made it clear that any reduction in military spending should be led by the United States, as the country with the largest defense budget. This stance underscores China’s belief that the U.S. has a greater responsibility in setting the tone for global military spending.

The Global Implications of Defense Budget Reductions

The debate over defense budget cuts highlights the complex web of geopolitical relations and the challenges of achieving global consensus on military spending. While the idea of reducing defense budgets by half may seem appealing in theory, it faces significant practical hurdles. For instance, each country has its own security concerns and strategic priorities, which are often influenced by regional tensions and historical conflicts. China, for example, has cited the need to maintain regional stability in the Asia-Pacific as a key reason for its current level of defense spending. Similarly, Russia’s increased military expenditure is closely tied to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its broader geopolitical ambitions.

Moving Forward: The Need for Dialogue and Mutually Agreed Solutions

As the global community grapples with the issue of military spending, the responses from Beijing, Moscow, and Washington highlight the need for dialogue and mutually agreed solutions. While China has expressed willingness to engage in discussions on reducing defense budgets, it has also made it clear that any such reductions must be proportionate and take into account the unique security challenges faced by each country. As the world continues to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected geopolitical landscape, the ability of major powers to find common ground on issues like defense spending will be crucial in maintaining global stability and promoting peace.