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Graphic shows rise in China’s disclosed military spending over past decade.
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MILITARY

China’s military goes from strength to strength under Xi Jinping

By Duncan Mil

March 5, 2019 - China’s 2019 defence spending will rise by 7.5 per cent to 1.19 trillion yuan, or $177.5 billion, compared with President Donald Trump’s request for $750 billion for the U.S. military budget.

On Tuesday, the Chinese government unveiled the 2019 budget during its annual “Two Sessions” legislative meeting in Beijing.

Under President Xi Jinping China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has grown and modernised rapidly. Xi has also embarked on a massive internal reorganisation of the PLA, streamlining the organisation and bringing it firmly under his control.

In January, a report from the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency warned that rapid modernisation might make the PLO more willing to risk war, adding that a potential future Chinese attack on Taiwan was the biggest concern. “The PLA leadership may tell [President] Xi Jinping that they are confident in their capabilities” for combat, an official said

Between 2016 and 2017, 32 new ships were placed on active service by the PLA, according to U.S. government reports. In comparison, the U.S. commissioned 13 vessels.

Since 2014, China has launched more submarines, warships, amphibious vessels and auxiliaries than the total number of ships currently serving in the navies of Germany, India, Spain, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, according to a 2018 report by think tank the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The Chinese air force has also been introducing new and improved planes and weapons, including the twin-engine J-20 stealth fighter.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 05/03/2019; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Associated Press
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