(DailyAnswer.org) – China challenges the US to lead global military spending reduction efforts following President Trump’s disarmament summit proposal.
At a Glance
- China urges the US to lead in cutting military spending after Trump’s comments
- Trump proposed halving the US military budget and suggested a summit with Russia and China
- Beijing claims its military budget is transparent and necessary for national security
- China emphasizes US and Russia’s responsibility for nuclear disarmament
- Global nuclear warhead inventory estimated at 12,121, with 9,585 ready for potential use
China Calls on US to Set Example in Military Spending Cuts
In a bold response to President Donald Trump’s recent comments, China has called on the United States to take the lead in reducing global military expenditures. The statement comes after Trump expressed interest in talks with Russia and China on the matter, proposing to cut the US military budget in half.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, emphasized that as the country with the largest military budget globally, the US should set an example by reducing its defense spending. This stance aligns with Trump’s “America First” policy, according to Chinese officials.
Comparative Military Budgets and Nuclear Arsenals
The US defense budget currently stands at nearly $900 billion annually, dwarfing China’s approximately $474 billion and Russia’s $462 billion. This disparity in military spending has been a point of contention in international relations.
“Since the United States calls for ‘America First’, they should take the lead in setting an example of cutting military spending.” – foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.
In terms of nuclear arsenals, the global inventory is estimated at 12,121 warheads, with 9,585 ready for potential use. The majority of these are held by Russia and the United States. China’s nuclear arsenal, while growing at the fastest rate among nuclear-armed states, increased from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024.
China’s Stance on Military Transparency and Nuclear Policy
Beijing maintains that its military budget is transparent, reasonable, and necessary for national sovereignty and world peace. Chinese officials argue that their defense spending is relatively low compared to the US, both in terms of GDP proportion and per capita spending.
“China’s military budget is open and transparent. It is reasonable and appropriate in relation to the United States and other major military powers.” – foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.
Regarding nuclear policy, China asserts that it maintains its nuclear force at a minimal level required for national security and does not engage in arms races. The country emphasizes that the US and Russia, possessing over 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons, should bear primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament.
Implications for Global Disarmament Efforts
President Trump’s suggestion for a summit with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping to discuss military spending cuts and nuclear arsenal reductions has sparked renewed interest in global disarmament efforts. However, the complex dynamics between these superpowers present significant challenges to achieving meaningful progress.
“It is widely recognized around the world that the US and Russia possess over 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons.” – Guo Jiakun.
As tensions persist in various global hotspots, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the path forward for international cooperation on military spending reduction and nuclear disarmament remains uncertain. The willingness of major powers to engage in substantive dialogue and take concrete actions will be crucial in shaping the future of global security and arms control efforts.
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