China’s call for the US to lead global military spending cuts comes amid President Trump’s ambitious proposal for a disarmament summit with Russia and China.
Key Takeaways
- China urges the US to lead military spending cuts following Trump’s call for a summit with Russia and China.
- Trump proposed halving the US military budget, emphasizing nuclear disarmament.
- China claims its defense spending is transparent and compares it to the larger US budget.
- The US maintains nearly $900 billion in defense spending, significantly more than China’s $474 billion.
China’s Call to Action
China has publicly called on the United States to take the lead in reducing military expenditure, following President Trump’s suggestion for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. China’s demand highlights the significant responsibility the US holds given its position as the nation with the world’s largest military budget.
This move by China aligns with its stance that the US and Russia, holding over 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons, bear the primary responsibility for global disarmament. Trump’s call to reduce military budgets by half is seen as a bold step toward de-escalation of global military tensions.
China’s Defense Budget Perspective
China maintains that its military budget is transparent, reasonable, and proportionate, particularly when compared to the United States. According to foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, China does not engage in an arms race and keeps its nuclear force at the minimal level needed for national security. Guo states, “China… always maintains its nuclear force at the minimum level required for national security and does not engage in arms races with any country.”
The stark differences between the military budgets of the US and China emphasize this issue further. The US defense budget currently stands at nearly $900 billion, compared to China’s approximately $474 billion. Consequently, China argues that the US should set an example in reducing military expenditure.
Implications for Global Security
The summit proposal aims to address global security concerns by fostering nuclear disarmament among the biggest nuclear powers. China’s call for transparency and reasonable defense spending highlights its desire for a balanced approach, advocating that the US should lead as part of its “America First” policy.
“Since the United States calls for ‘America First,’ they should take the lead in setting an example of cutting military spending,” said Guo Jiakun.
As the US considers its position in global disarmament dialogues, the world watches closely to see if this initiative will catalyze a broader reduction in military budgets and nuclear arsenals worldwide. The outcome of such a summit could shape the future of global arms control and mutual security policies.
