BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for robust border, sea, and air defenses to safeguard the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, as reported by the official Xinhua news agency on Wednesday.
Speaking at a collective study session of the Communist Party’s politburo on Tuesday, Xi highlighted that these defenses are crucial symbols of China’s sovereignty and essential for the nation’s development. These sessions, held periodically, provide insights into the priorities of China’s top political leadership.
Xi’s call for strengthened defenses comes just days before the 97th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on August 1. The session follows a pattern of significant military-related discussions, such as the July 2023 session on military governance, which led to the appointment of a new head for the force overseeing China’s conventional and nuclear missiles.
In June 2024, a session focused on party governance and corruption resulted in the removal of former Defense Minister Li Shangfu and former PLA Rocket Force Commander Li Yuchao for corruption. These actions underline Xi’s commitment to maintaining strict oversight and modernization of the military.
“We must coordinate the promotion of border, sea, and air defense construction with the economic and social development of border and coastal areas,” Xi stated. He also stressed the importance of technological empowerment and developing “new means and conditions” for defense.
The Chinese government increased its 2024 defense budget by 7.2%, maintaining the growth rate from the previous year and significantly above the annual economic growth forecast. This budget increase underscores China’s commitment to bolstering its military capabilities amid rising regional tensions.
Tensions have escalated in recent years over Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory, and in the South China Sea, where Beijing’s maritime claims have increasingly clashed with those of other nations, particularly the Philippines.
In a show of support for Manila, the United States pledged $500 million on Tuesday for the Philippine military and coast guard, reinforcing its stance against China’s actions in the South China Sea.