Since coming to power in 2013, President Xi Jinping has insisted on modernizing the People’s Liberation Army with the goal of building a “world-class army” by 2049.
The budget increase comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, particularly over Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory. China has stepped up military pressure in recent months through large-scale naval and air military exercises.
At the same time, the Chinese leadership is implementing major changes within the military. Several senior generals have been dismissed or are under investigation in what analysts describe as one of the biggest purges in China’s military in decades.
The measures also include officers linked to the Central Military Commission, the top military decision-making body chaired by Xi Jinping. The aim of the campaign is the fight against corruption, strengthening the political loyalty of the army and removing obstacles to modernization.
China has the second largest military budget in the world, after the US.
(Vijesti.ba)
