Peaceful Reunification
China Drops Reference to 'Peaceful Reunification' with Taiwan, Boosts Defence Spending
In a significant move, China has announced a 7.2% increase in its defence spending for the year, signaling a substantial boost to its military budget. This surge in spending, which has more than doubled under President Xi Jinping's 11-year tenure, coincides with a shift in Beijing's stance on Taiwan, with the omission of the phrase "peaceful reunification" from official government reports.
Shift in Language
Traditionally, China has used the term "peaceful reunification" in reference to Taiwan. However, in a notable departure from past rhetoric, Premier Li Qiang omitted this phrase during his address at the National People's Congress (NPC), China's legislative body. This change in language underscores Beijing's increasingly assertive posture towards Taiwan.
Impact on Regional Dynamics
The omission of "peaceful reunification" reflects China's hardened stance on Taiwan-related issues, contributing to heightened tensions in the region. As Beijing ramps up its military spending, concerns have been raised by neighbouring countries and the international community about China's strategic intentions and the trajectory of its armed forces.
Defence Budget Growth
Under President Xi Jinping's leadership, China's defence budget has witnessed exponential growth, reaching 1.67 trillion yuan ($230 billion) this year, up from 720 billion yuan in 2013. This consistent rise in military spending has outpaced the country's annual economic growth targets, reflecting Beijing's prioritization of military modernization and readiness.
International Response
The international community, particularly neighbouring countries like Japan and South Korea, has expressed apprehension over China's escalating military expenditure and its lack of transparency. Japanese government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi called for greater openness from Beijing, highlighting concerns about regional stability and international order.
Focus on Modernization
A significant portion of China's defence budget is allocated towards the acquisition of new equipment, aligning with President Xi's goal of achieving full military modernization by 2035. This includes the development and deployment of advanced weaponry, such as warships, submarines, drones, and missiles, capable of both conventional and nuclear capabilities.
Tightened Management
In addition to bolstering military capabilities, China is also prioritizing tighter management of its defence procurement process. Following high-profile personnel purges related to weapons procurement, the Central Military Commission has initiated a cleanup of the procurement process and invited public reporting of irregularities.
Hardening Stance on Taiwan
China's revised government work report reiterated its call for "reunification" with Taiwan while removing the descriptor "peaceful". This shift in language indicates a more assertive approach towards Taiwan, which has been met with a corresponding response from Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council urging Beijing to respect their sovereignty.
Outlook and Concerns
As tensions continue to simmer in the Taiwan Strait, analysts warn of the potential for further escalation, particularly in light of China's resolute stance against Taiwan independence. The hardening of language and increased military drills by Taiwan signal a precarious situation that could have broader implications for regional stability.
Conclusion
China's decision to omit references to "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan and its substantial increase in defence spending underscore a shifting geopolitical landscape in East Asia. The evolving dynamics between China, Taiwan, and other regional stakeholders raise concerns about the prospects for peace and stability in the region, prompting heightened