China calls upon the United States to lead global disarmament by drastically cutting its military budget, stirring a complex dialogue on global peace.
Quick Takes
- The United States is urged by Beijing to lead in reducing military spending.
- President Trump proposed halving the US military budget and hosting a disarmament summit with Russia and China.
- China emphasizes the responsibility of the US and Russia in nuclear disarmament.
- China claims transparency and necessity in its military budget for global peace.
US Leadership in Military Reductions?
Beijing is urging the US to spearhead military expenditure cuts after President Trump showed an interest in engaging Russia and China in disarmament talks. Trump’s proposal includes reducing the US defense budget by 50% and enhancing dialogue with counterparts Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, echoing China’s call for global peace through military budget transparency.
China’s Foreign Ministry points out that the US, possessing the most substantial defense budget globally, should be the pacesetter in disarmament efforts. Meanwhile, China asserts that its defense spending is aligned with its national interests and promotes world peace. Trump’s suggestion is intriguing, especially in the light of China’s emphasis on the US and Russia’s leading role in nuclear weapon reductions.
Trump’s Ambitious Proposition
President Trump expressed a bold vision of substantial US military budget cuts while suggesting a tripartite meeting with Russia and China. His remarks resonate with China’s suggestion that the US set an example in military diminishment, consistent with the “America First” policy narrative.
“One of the first meetings I want to have is with President Xi of China and President Putin of Russia, and I wanna say: ‘Let’s cut our military budget in half.’ And we can do that,” said Trump to reporters in the Oval Office.
The US and Russia collectively hold over 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons. This statistic underlies the global call for both nations to take disarmament seriously. Meanwhile, China maintains its nuclear arsenal minimal for security reasons and denies involvement in global arms races.
China’s Defensive Justifications
China argues its military expenditure is transparent and relatively lower compared to the immense US budget. Beijing also communicates a rise in its nuclear arsenal, which grew from 410 to 500 warheads within a year—still minimal compared to US and Russia inventories.
“China’s military budget is open and transparent. It is reasonable and appropriate in relation to the United States and other major military powers,” said foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.
In this complex conversation around military expenditure, China’s opinion contradicts the narrative that accuses it of escalating global arms races. Nonetheless, global leaders acknowledge the importance of transparency and collective responsibility for global disarmament.
