Post by : Anis Farhan

Why the World Watches China’s Military

In recent years, China has become very powerful, not just in business but also in military strength. Many people around the world are paying close attention to how China is changing its army, navy, and air force. Every year, China spends more money on defense, builds more ships, and develops new weapons. These changes are part of China’s bigger goals to become stronger and protect its interests. But some of China’s neighbors feel worried. They wonder if China’s growing military could lead to more problems in Asia.

This article will explain what China is doing with its military, why it matters, and what other countries in Asia think about it.

China’s Military Growth in Recent Years

China’s military, called the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is already the world’s largest army by number of soldiers. But it is not just about size anymore. China is now focusing on making its military modern and more advanced. In 2015, China started big reforms in its army. It cut down on old-style army units and spent more money on technology, cyber defense, and smart weapons.

In 2024, China’s defense budget reached a record high of around $230 billion. This makes China the second-biggest military spender in the world, just after the United States. China has added more warships, fighter jets, and missile systems than any other country in recent years. Many experts say that China wants its military to be very modern by 2035 and a world-class force by 2049.

What Are the New Military Policies?

China has made some important changes in its military policies:

More focus on high technology: China’s army is using artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber tools to become smarter and faster.

Bigger navy power: China is building more ships, submarines, and aircraft carriers to control the seas, especially in the South China Sea.

Focus on “informatization”: This means using modern communication tools to win wars faster by controlling information.

Stronger missile forces: China is developing new types of missiles that can travel long distances and are harder to stop.

Military training: China’s soldiers now practice in realistic conditions, including sea battles, air defense, and cyberattacks.

National security laws: China has passed new laws giving its military more power to protect what it calls “core interests,” including Taiwan and the South China Sea.

These new military policies show that China is serious about becoming a very strong country, not just in business but also in defense.

China’s Main Military Goals

China’s government says that the country’s main goal is to protect itself. Chinese leaders often say they want peace but need to be strong to defend their land and sea borders. China has some key military goals:

Reunify with Taiwan, which it sees as a breakaway part of China.

Control most of the South China Sea, where many other countries also have claims.

Be strong enough to stop any foreign country from attacking China.

Be respected by other big powers like the United States.

Build a strong army that can win wars if needed, especially in Asia.

Why Neighboring Countries Are Worried

Not everyone believes China’s military rise is peaceful. Many nearby countries feel nervous because:

China is increasing military activities near their borders.

Chinese ships and planes often enter disputed areas.

China has built military bases on islands in the South China Sea.

China’s strong words about Taiwan sound like threats of war.

These actions make some countries feel unsafe. They worry that China could use its power to pressure smaller nations or even attack if there are disputes.

Japan’s Reaction

Japan has always been careful about its military after World War II. But with China growing stronger, Japan is changing its defense style. Japan is now spending more money on defense, building new missiles, and planning to buy advanced fighter jets. In 2023, Japan announced its biggest military budget in many years.

Japan also worries about China’s ships near the disputed Senkaku Islands (called Diaoyu by China). Many Japanese people believe their country must be ready to defend itself if things get worse with China.

India’s Reaction

India is another country closely watching China’s military growth. India and China already have a tense relationship, especially after deadly clashes in the border area of Ladakh in 2020. Since then, India has also increased its defense budget, bought new weapons, and built more roads and bases near the China border.

India is also making stronger partnerships with other countries like the US, Japan, and Australia through the “Quad” group. India wants to make sure it stays strong and safe while dealing with a rising China.

Southeast Asia’s Reaction

Countries in Southeast Asia, like Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, are most worried about the South China Sea. China claims almost the whole sea, but these countries also have their own claims.

🇻🇳 Vietnam has faced problems with Chinese ships near its oil fields. It is buying more weapons and building stronger coastal defenses.

🇵🇭 The Philippines has increased its military cooperation with the US after many clashes with Chinese ships near its islands.

🇲🇾 Malaysia and 🇮🇩 Indonesia also feel uneasy about China’s fishing boats and coast guard vessels entering their waters.

Many Southeast Asian countries want to avoid conflict, but they also want to protect their sea rights and natural resources.

Australia’s Position

Australia is not in Asia but close enough to worry about China’s military rise. Australia has joined security partnerships like AUKUS with the US and UK, where it will get nuclear-powered submarines. Australia also takes part in Quad meetings with India, Japan, and the US. Australian leaders say they want peace but will stay ready in case of problems in the Indo-Pacific region.

The United States and China: A Big Rivalry

The US is the main global power watching China’s military rise. The US Navy often sails near China’s claimed areas to show freedom of navigation. America supports countries like Taiwan and the Philippines in case of trouble with China.

Many military experts say the US and China are now in a “cold rivalry,” where both sides prepare for conflict but avoid direct war. Still, the fear remains that a small mistake at sea or in the air could start a bigger problem.

China’s View of Its Military Rise

China’s leaders say all these worries are not necessary. They claim China only wants to defend itself and protect its interests. China says the US is trying to stop China’s rise and cause trouble in Asia.

Many Chinese people support their government’s strong military policies. They feel proud that China is becoming a world power after many years of being weak in history. China’s state media often shows the army’s strength to build national pride.

The Risk of Accidents and Misunderstandings

One big fear in Asia is not open war but accidental fights. Sometimes, warships or planes from different countries get too close to each other. With so many military exercises happening, even a small mistake could lead to a dangerous clash.

Many countries now call for more “hotlines” and communication to avoid misunderstandings. Meetings between military leaders are also becoming more common to stop small problems from becoming big crises.

Hope for Balance in Asia

Even though there are tensions, many Asian countries do not want war. They want to keep trading with China because it is a big business partner. Countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia prefer peaceful talks, but they also want to be strong enough to defend their rights.

Groups like ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) try to keep peace talks going. ASEAN hopes for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, where all sides agree to behave better.

Watching and Preparing for the Future

China’s military power is growing fast, and it has changed the balance in Asia. Many countries are watching closely and preparing for any problems. Some countries are spending more on defense, making new security partnerships, and training their armies better.

At the same time, there is hope that Asia can stay peaceful if countries talk to each other and avoid risky moves. The next few years will be very important for Asia. The world will watch how China uses its power and how neighbors respond to stay safe.

Disclaimer

This article is written for Newsible Asia to explain in simple terms the current changes in military politics in Asia. Readers are encouraged to follow trusted news sources for regular updates.