China Defends Defense Spending Amid Global Policy Proposals

China remains cautious about joining a proposed 50% defense budget cut by the US, Russia, and China, asserting its defense spending is for sovereignty and security. Despite this, estimates suggest a possible increase in 2024 due to global tensions, amid calls for enhanced international security cooperation.

China has expressed hesitance towards US President Donald Trump's proposal for a trilateral 50% defense budget cut, emphasizing that its current expenditure aims to safeguard national sovereignty and maintain security interests.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reinforced China's commitment to peaceful development, responding to Trump's assertion made during a February 13 media briefing about initiating budget discussions with China's President Xi and Russia's President Putin.

Despite Vladimir Putin's positive response to Trump's proposal, China plans to maintain its defense budget intact. Lin emphasized that while China pursues a self-defense strategy and supports economic and national defense coordination, it does not participate in global arms races and advocates for international peace and security.

(With inputs from agencies.)