The Military Spending of the PLA
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At 1945 I try to put some context on the size of China’s defense budget:
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates Chinese defense spending at 1.7% of GDP. The United States continues to spend more than China in absolute terms and at a higher rate compared to GDP. Military analysts explain this disparity by referring to America’s global military commitments, which China currently lacks, and the size and age of American fielded forces. Nevertheless, it makes sense to clarify the bounds of what Chinese aggression looks like from a spending point of view.
The big new Department of Defense report on China is out. Surprisingly readable and you’ll know a lot more about the Chinese military if you spend an afternoon with it.