Increase in military budget justified

To undertake new tasks and missions in an increasingly complicated security environment, China has to raise its defense budget on a moderate scale. The most important reason for the increase in the military budget is the defense of national territory and sovereignty. China has to deal with territorial and maritime disputes with other countries, too. And history tells us that without a powerful military, a country cannot be safe from external forces.

China also has to meet others challenges such as terrorism and separatism. The deadly terrorist attack at Kunming railway station in Yunnan province on March 1 shows how serious a threat terrorism poses to China. The frequent emergency rescue and relief operations that Chinese troops have to undertake are another reason why China has to increase the defense budget.

Besides, the search operation launched by China after Flight MH370 went missing has added another dimension to its defense forces. That apart, Chinese navy has to combat sea piracy and escort mercantile vessels in dangerous waters, especially in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

The increase in the defense budget will also make China more capable of undertaking its increasing global responsibilities to maintain world peace, which include international peacekeeping and relief operations, and international military cooperation to cope with non-traditional security threats.

Despite all this, China will not change its defensive defense policy or take part in any arms race, which means it will never pose a threat to other countries.

Contrary to what some Westerners say, China needs to raise its defense budget to defend its national integrity.

China could pose a threat to regional and global security and stability only when Chinese troops cannot safeguard the country because of poor military budget and it becomes a victim of unrest caused by security issues. Regional and global security and stability could also be threatened if the Chinese military cannot undertake greater responsibility for maintaining the postwar international order and is found wanting in meeting global security challenges because of the lack of funds.

The author is an associate researcher with the Institute of Strategic Studies, National Defense University.