China has adopted a more stringent stance on Taiwan by excluding the mention of “peaceful reunification” in a government work report delivered by Premier Li Qiang at the opening of the National People’s Congress on Tuesday.
According to official reports on Tuesday Beijing will boost its defence spending by 7.2% this year, fuelling a military budget that has more than doubled under Xi Jinping’s decade-plus in office as Beijing hardens its stance on Taiwan.
The rise in military expenditure exceeds the government’s economic growth forecast for the year and mirrors the previous year’s budget rate. This surge in spending coincides with China’s intensified military pressure to assert its sovereignty claims over Taiwan. Taiwan’s defense minister announced plans to enhance missile drills in response to China’s heightened military activities near the island.
With China’s ramped-up military pressure to force the island to accept its sovereignty claims, defence minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Tuesday that Taiwan’s armed forces has decided to step up the number of missile drills they hold this year.
China considers Taiwan its own territory, despite Taiwan’s objections, leading to escalating tensions in recent years. Since Xi Jinping assumed office, China’s defense budget has significantly increased, reaching 1.67 trillion yuan ($230.60 billion) this year from 720 billion yuan in 2013. The annual rise in military spending has consistently surpassed the domestic economic growth target set by the government.
The procurement of new equipment is expected to consume a substantial portion of the budget as China aims for full modernization of its military by 2035. This year’s defense budget marks the 30th consecutive year of increases, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
In the government report, China reiterated its call for “reunification” with Taiwan but emphasized the need to “be firm” in doing so, dropping the term “peaceful” used in previous reports. This alteration in language suggests a more assertive approach towards Taiwan, closely observed by international observers.
Taiwan’s defense ministry and Mainland Affairs Council refrained from immediate comments. However, Taiwan’s defense minister announced plans to increase missile drills. Political analysts note a moderate hardening of China’s stance on Taiwan, suggesting a delicate balance between projecting toughness and stabilizing relations with Taiwan’s allies.
Following the presidential election in Taiwan, China’s fourth-ranked leader, Wang Huning, vowed to “resolutely combat” any moves towards Taiwan independence, signaling a more confrontational approach compared to previous years’ statements opposing Taiwan independence.
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