Admiral John Aquilino, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, expressed his concerns about China’s increasing defense spending during a press conference in Tokyo. He stated that despite facing challenges in the real estate sector and questioning the accuracy of its official growth rates, China was investing significantly more in its military than the 7.2% increase reported last month.
Aquilino emphasized his unease over China’s aggressive behavior and rhetoric in areas like the South and East China Seas and concerning developments around disputed territories like the Second Thomas Shoal and Taiwan. While he criticized China’s military actions and rhetoric, he also had strong words for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s regime. He condemned the regime for prioritizing military spending over addressing food shortages in the country, calling it “disgusting.”
In response to these concerns and criticisms, the Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately provide a comment. However, Aquilino’s statements shed light on the complexities of military spending and priorities in the region, raising questions about the balance between defense needs and addressing pressing economic and humanitarian issues.
