“The defense spending is the best indicator of how one [country] feels about its environment. This sustainable low defense spending would demonstrate China’s confidence about itself, the environment, even its relationship with the US,” said Zhou Bo, Senior Colonel from the Chinese Ministry of National Defense. 

According to the 2018 defense budget released during the the first sessions of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) and 13th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, China’s annual defense budget will reach around 175 billion US dollars, setting an 8.1 percent growth target, up from last year's seven percent. 

“I think it [China’s 8.1 percent defense spending increase] is a fair increase because, over the years, China has actually put its defense spending growth rate more or less around 1.5 percent of the GDP,” Zhou added. 

In the percentage of the defense budget to GDP, NATO members agreed in 2006 that members spend at least 2 percent of their GDP on defense, and this year the US released its defense budget with a four percent increase. While global defense expenditure is set to increase again in 2018 to reach its highest level since the end of the Cold War, China’s defense growth is relatively low.  

But still, the increase raised immediate concerns surrounding China’s perceived expansionist military ambitions, especially concerning the South China Sea.  

Zhou said there is no need to raise the alarm because “China did some land reclamation, but that is only the legitimate way for China to safeguard its own interest.” 

“In terms of China’s relationship with its neighbors, actually, it’s very good with most of its neighbors. If it’s between China and ASEAN, we only have problems with some claimants, and even with some of these claimants, China’s relationship with the Philippines, for example, has improved tremendously. We provide them with everything, even 6,000 rifles, and one of these rifles just killed a terrorist. We gave these things for free. Both of us have entered bilateral consultation. Between China and ASEAN, we are talking about a code of conduct,” Zhou added.  

Talking about the international security situation, Senior Colonel Zhou said the key word is “disorder.”  

“We talk about Europeans’ uncertainty about its relationship with Russia; Russia’s fierce response to America’s threat; terrorism and America’s change of its strategy; the US’ nuclear posture. Putting all this together, people have a sense of insecurity and that would explain why a lot of countries have increased the military spending.” 

In the midst of global insecurity, why has China maintained sustainable, low growth? 

“We feel safe, but more importantly, we feel confident about our own strength,” Zhou concluded.

The Point with Liu Xin is a 30-minute current affairs program on CGTN. It airs weekdays at 9.30 p.m. BJT (1330GMT), with rebroadcasts at 5.30 a.m. (2130GMT) and 10.30 a.m. (0230GMT).