The commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said Tuesday that China’s increased defense spending is concerning given that China’s economy is “sluggish.”
Admiral John Aquilino told reporters in Tokyo that China’s economy has been hit by turmoil in its real estate sector, insisting that official growth rates are “unrealistic.”
He also said China was spending “significantly more” on its military than the 7.2% increase it declared last month.
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“There is a conscious decision to fund the military despite the economic downturn, and that is worrying to me,” said Aquilino, who is due to retire next month.
He also criticized China’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric and actions in the South China Sea and East China Sea, particularly around the disputed Second Thomas Shoal and Taiwan.
Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, speaks at the IISS Special Lecture in Singapore on March 16, 2023. (Reuters/Caroline Chia/File photo)
“This is particularly true for Taiwan, where I am noting an increasingly aggressive coercion and pressure campaign plan,” he said.
China’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
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China’s military chief told a gathering of foreign naval officials this week that China remains committed to resolving maritime disputes with other countries through dialogue, but will not allow itself to be “abused.” .
Aquilino also criticized the regime of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as “disgusting” for spending on the military even as the country faces food shortages.
“This is another regime where, despite sanctions, every bit of economic development is directed toward military power rather than feeding the North Korean people. That’s disgusting,” he said.
