China’s $15 Billion Investment in Military Exercises
In 2023, China spent around $15 billion, or 7% of its defense budget, on military exercises in the Western Pacific. This is according to a report by Taiwan’s armed forces, offering a rare look into how much China invests in military activities, especially around Taiwan. These exercises show Beijing’s focus on strengthening its presence in the region, where tensions have been rising.
Why China Is Focusing on the Western Pacific
China has always maintained that it will not hesitate to use force to annex Taiwan and claim it as part of its territory. Taiwan, on the other hand, strongly objects to this. China’s military activities are not only aimed at Taiwan but also involve disputes with several countries over territories in the South China Sea and East China Sea. According to Taiwanese officials, China is spending heavily to gain control over the western part of the First Island Chain, a group of islands stretching from Indonesia to Japan.
A Glimpse Into China’s Defense Spending
Taiwan’s defense ministry declined to comment directly on the spending figures, but it did express concern. A senior Taiwanese official mentioned that understanding China’s allocation of resources is crucial. The official said China is spending vast amounts to control key areas in the Western Pacific. The report by Taiwan’s armed forces was created to help decision-makers in Taipei understand how China divides its military resources. It also helps Taiwan assess the risks it faces due to China’s military intentions.
China’s Military Activity in Numbers
Chinese military planes flew about 9,200 times in the area in 2023, logging almost 29,000 hours in the air. Over 1.7 million hours were spent at sea by the Chinese navy during more than 70,000 sailings. This includes destroyers and aircraft carriers.
About 40% of these naval journeys took place in the highly contested South China Sea, 20% in the East China Sea near Japan and South Korea, and 15% in the sensitive Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s Concerns About China’s Intentions
Taiwan has observed a notable rise in Chinese military maneuvers in the vicinity of its air defense zone. Approximately 1,700 Chinese military aircraft have entered Taiwan’s air defense zone just this year, which is somewhat more than in 2023 as a whole. Additionally, China has carried out “punishment” drills in the vicinity of Taiwan, particularly since the election of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te in May 2024—a figure Beijing regards as a separatist.
Preparing for a Possible Conflict
Experts believe that China’s military is preparing for a potential conflict. Chieh Chung, a researcher at a Taipei-based think tank, stated that China’s military is getting ready for a possible invasion of Taiwan. The increase in military exercises, with more aircraft and pilots involved. This shows that China is building its combat readiness. The drills conducted in May 2024 were estimated to have cost about $13.17 million just in fuel and other consumables. Thus highlighting the scale of China’s military preparations.
What This Means for the Region
China’s significant investment in military exercises in the Western Pacific is a sign of its growing military ambitions. For Taiwan, this raises concerns about the possibility of a future conflict. For the rest of the region, especially countries involved in territorial disputes with China, this could mean increased tensions and a need to strengthen their own defenses.
In conclusion, China’s military spending and activities in the Western Pacific are not just about flexing muscles. They represent a strategic effort to control key areas, which could have serious implications for Taiwan and the entire region. Understanding these developments is crucial for assessing the risks and preparing for possible future challenges.