Image source: topwar.ru
Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, China announced its intention to invest $1.4 trillion in the modernization of the PLA in the period from 2024 to 2028.
This is reported in the publication World Defense News, indicating that several key factors affect the growing defense spending: increased support for Taiwan from the United States, ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the strengthening of regional alliances [potentially directed against China].
According to the publication, a significant part of the new investments will go to strengthen the fleet to make it the dominant force in the "blue waters" [in the deep waters of the world ocean]. To this end, several procurement programs are being implemented, including the acquisition of a fourth aircraft carrier, the commissioning of a nuclear submarine with Tang-class ballistic missiles, the deployment of Type 054A frigates and the launching of advanced destroyers of the Renhai project (type 055).
- indicated in the publication.
It is emphasized that Beijing has made the goal of dominating the East China, South China and Yellow Seas.
A review of China's defense budget shows significant growth. From 2019 to 2023, allocations for the Armed Forces increased from $172.2 billion to $230.3 billion.
