China’s defense spending has maintained steady and reasonable growth over the past years, according to Wu Qian, spokesperson for the delegation of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Armed Police Force. Speaking at the annual national legislative session on Sunday, Wu addressed the nation’s defense budget and its implications.
It was revealed at the session that China’s 2025 defense budget in central government expenditures will be 1.78 trillion yuan (about $249 billion), marking a 7.2% year-on-year increase. Wu emphasized that the increased expenditure will primarily be used to develop new-domain forces with advanced combat capabilities. This includes enhancing systems and capacities for reconnaissance and early warning, joint strikes, battlefield support, and integrated logistics support.
The spending will also focus on improving military training under combat conditions and deepening national defense and military reform. Wu noted that, compared to major military powers like the United States, China’s defense spending remains relatively low in terms of its share of GDP, national fiscal expenditures, per capita defense spending, and expenditure per service member.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the nation, Wu stated, “China has yet to be completely reunified and faces one of the most complex peripheral security environments in the world.” He added that the Chinese military confronts tough challenges in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Despite these challenges, China’s restrained defense spending enables the military to provide public security goods and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity. Wu’s remarks aim to clarify China’s defense budget growth and its commitment to maintaining peace and stability both regionally and globally.
