BEIJING, China: China’s President Xi Jinping has underscored the importance of robust border, sea, and air defences to safeguard the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, as reported by Xinhua on July 31.
Speaking at a Communist Party politburo collective study session on July 30, Xi highlighted that these defence measures are vital symbols of China’s sovereignty and essential for its development.
Collective study sessions, held regularly, provide insights into the priorities of China’s political leadership. The July session on military governance followed Xi’s recent appointment of a new head for China’s conventional and nuclear missile forces, coinciding with the 96th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on August 1. In June 2024, the focus was on party governance and corruption, leading to the removal of former defence minister Li Shangfu and ex-PLA Rocket Force commander Li Yuchao for corruption.
Xi called for the integration of defence construction with the economic and social development of border and coastal areas, stressing the need for technological advancement and new strategic measures to bolster defences. Reflecting this emphasis, China’s 2024 defence budget saw a 7.2% increase, maintaining last year’s growth rate and surpassing the annual economic growth forecast.
The push for enhanced defences comes amid rising tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Taiwan, a democratically ruled island, is claimed by China as its territory, leading to heightened regional frictions.
In the South China Sea, disputes between Beijing and Manila have intensified over maritime claims. In a show of support for the Philippines against Chinese actions in the region, the United States pledged $500 million on July 30 for Manila’s military and coast guard.
Xi’s call for strengthened defences underscores China’s strategic focus on securing its territorial and maritime interests amidst growing regional and international challenges.
