Sun Mar 09 16:32:49 UTC 2025: ## China Intensifies Military Threat Against Taiwan Amid Defense Budget Increase

**Beijing, March 9, 2025** – China’s military has issued a stark warning to Taiwan, vowing to tighten its grip on the self-ruled island if pro-independence sentiment escalates. The statement, made by Army spokesman Wu Qian during China’s annual Two Sessions political gathering, follows a 7.2% increase in China’s 2025 defense budget.

Wu Qian declared that increased “Taiwan independence” activities would result in a more forceful Chinese response. He described the situation as Taiwan’s leaders riding “a steed to a precipice,” urging them to reconsider their course.

The 7.2% budget increase, mirroring last year’s growth, will fund the modernization of China’s armed forces, particularly enhancing reconnaissance, joint strike, and battlefield support capabilities. While described as “reasonable and stable,” the increase surpasses China’s projected GDP growth and adds to concerns in Washington and other regional powers. China’s $245.7 billion defense budget, though the world’s second-largest, remains significantly smaller than the United States’. Nevertheless, its expansion fuels regional tensions, especially given China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.

Beijing maintains that its military posture is defensive, aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty. However, its expansive territorial claims continue to raise fears of conflict. Taiwan, a key flashpoint, enjoys significant support from the United States, which remains its primary arms supplier. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated the country’s claim on Taiwan, dismissing any attempts to use the island to challenge mainland China. Recent Chinese military drills near Taiwan have been defended as routine, though condemned by Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence.

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