US defense spending hike to inflame hot spots, destabilize global security

The US decision to adjust its military policies and increase defense spending will exert a negative impact on global security and its relations with other major countries, said Gao Zugui, deputy director of the Institute for International Strategic Studies of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

He made the remarks at the Xinhuanet annual event on major global issues held recently in Beijing.

Last month, US President Donald Trump signed a nearly $700 billion annual defense policy bill, which authorized the US military to add troops, ships, planes and other equipment.

With this vast amount, US military spending is expected to account for nearly half of global defense spending in 2018.

Although the US touts itself as a peace sponsor, Gao said, its military build-up will have negative effects on global security.

First, the Trump administration will continue to beef up its military presence in hot spot regions. The US has sent more troops to Syria and Iraq, and will enlarge its force in Afghanistan. Its meddling in Ukraine and Syria will also continue in the form of arms supply.

As the US plans to revitalize its domestic economy, it will make more arms deals with partners including Saudi Arabia and Asian allies like Japan and South Korea. The introduction of these advanced weapons will undoubtedly initiate an arms race in the relevant regions, Gao said.

An adjustment in US military policy will be unfavorable to its relations with other major countries, he said.

The US recently introduced its new national security strategy, labeling China a strategic competitor.

Over the past year, the US has strengthened military cooperation with Japan, India and Australia in the AsiaPacific region with the intention of containing China, which will derail ChinaUS relations from a healthy track and also threaten China’s peripheral security.

Nevertheless, these countries all have strong trade and economic ties with China, which will buffer the adverse impacts their military cooperation will have on China, Gao said.