China has announced a 7.2% increase in defense spending for 2025, maintaining the same growth rate as the previous two years. This decision aligns with Beijing’s commitment to “firmly safeguard” national security amid evolving global geopolitical tensions. The proposed defense budget, set at 1.78 trillion yuan ($244.99 billion), significantly surpasses the country’s economic growth target of approximately 5% for the year.

China’s defense budget is second highest in the world and lower than that of the United States, which has set its 2025 military spending at $850 billion.

The increase in China’s defense spending comes as Western governments also ramp up military expenditures to bolster their security. On Tuesday, the European Union unveiled plans to mobilize up to 800 billion euros ($841 billion) to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. This move follows reports that the United States had abruptly paused military aid to Ukraine, signaling shifts in global defense strategies.

According to official data, China’s defense budget has seen consistent annual increases, with a 7.2% rise in 2023, 7.1% in 2022, and 6.8% in 2021. Last year, the country allocated 1.67 trillion yuan for its military expenditures.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress, defended the country’s military spending. Lou claimed that China’s defense expenditure as a share of GDP has remained under 1.5% for many years, a rate lower than the global average.

In addition to defense, China has also significantly increased its public security budget. Official reports show a 7.3% rise in public security expenditures for the year, a sharp contrast to the modest 1.4% increase recorded last year. This development suggests an enhanced focus on internal security measures alongside military expansion.

Meanwhile Taiwan’s Defense Ministry also plans to significantly increase its military budget for next year, as well as to allocate additional funds within the state budget for the purchase of weapons (without specifics).