Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised the urgent need to bolster border, sea, and air defences to safeguard the nation’s territorial sovereignty and maritime interests. According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, the Chinese leader believes these defences are crucial symbols of China’s sovereignty and essential for the country’s progress. The call to action was made during a collective study session of the Chinese Communist Party’s politburo, which offered valuable insights into the mindset and priorities of China’s top political leadership, Reuters reported.
A few days after a study session in July last year, Xi appointed a new head of the armed forces overseeing China’s conventional and nuclear missiles. The appointment by Xi came on the eve of the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on 1st August. The June study session focused on party governance and corruption. Last month, the party removed former Chinese Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu and former PLA Rocket Force commander Li Yuchao from the party for corruption.
“We must coordinate the promotion of border, sea and air defence construction and the economic and social development of border and coastal areas,” Xinhua cited Xi as saying at Tuesday’s (30th July) study session, ahead of the 97th PLA anniversary.
He said China must also be more technologically empowered and build “new means and conditions” as it strengthens its border, sea, and air defences. The Chinese government increased this year’s defence budget by 7.2 per cent, in line with the rate in last year’s budget and again well above the Chinese government’s annual economic growth forecast.
Tensions have risen in the past few years over Taiwan and elsewhere in East Asia, particularly in the South China Sea, where Beijing and Manila have increasingly clashed over maritime claims. On 30th July, the US pledged funding of US$500 million for the Philippines’ military and coast guard in a show of support for Manila as it faces Chinese actions in the South China Sea.
Team BharatShakti (With inputs from Reuters)
