, Columnist
China’s Military Spending Is Much Bigger Than We Thought
Revised figures based on US intelligence give an estimate of $700 billion a year instead of the official figure of $300 billion.
Ramping up.
Photographer: Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images
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A spotlight is beginning to shine on China’s increasing defense spending. Senator Dan Sullivan, an Alaska Republican, recently issued a statement indicating his belief — based on assessments by US intelligence agencies and the highly regarded Swedish defense think tank SIPRI — that China spends about $700 billion annually. What makes this remarkable is that China reports less than $300 billion in its overall defense budget.
If these revised numbers are true, how should it change our reading of China’s intentions? And how should the US respond?