Part 8/15:
China’s defense budget has seen consistent growth over the past three decades, with recent increases maintained at around 7.2%. This military modernization aligns with China's broader national rejuvenation goals and the desire to assert influence over key regional flashpoints, including Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula.
Particularly concerning is China's uncompromising stance on Taiwan; Beijing has declared it will never renounce the use of force to unify Taiwan with the mainland. While some experts believe China primarily aims to bolster its regional defenses rather than outright annexation, the potential for conflict remains a concern for neighboring countries.