China has signalled that it will not participate in a proposed 50% reduction in defence budgets alongside the United States and Russia. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson defended the country’s military spending, calling it “limited” and essential for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development.

Addressing the proposal introduced earlier this month, the spokesperson stressed that China’s defence budget is necessary for maintaining domestic security and contributing to global stability.

According to media reports, on February 13, Trump stated, “One of the first meetings I want to have is with President Xi of China, President Putin of Russia. And I want to say: ‘Let’s cut our military budget in half.’”

“And we can do that. And I think we’ll be able to do it,” he stated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the proposal on Monday, calling it a "good idea."

“I think it’s a good idea. The US would cut by 50 per cent, and we would cut by 50 per cent, and then China would join if it wanted,” Putin said in a television interview.

When asked about the remarks from Trump and Putin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin stated at a media briefing that while China is committed to peaceful development, its “limited” defence spending is necessary to protect its sovereignty and development interests.

He emphasised that “China upholds a self-defence strategy, pursues coordinated development between its economy and national defence, and never engages in any arms race with any country.” Lin added that Beijing has demonstrated its commitment to world peace through concrete actions, bringing stability and certainty to the global stage.

China, the second-largest defence spender after the US, raised its military budget by 7.2% last year to approximately $232 billion (1.67 trillion yuan) as part of its ongoing military modernisation efforts. There is growing speculation that Beijing may increase its defence spending again this year, especially as Trump has signalled his intention to strengthen the US military further.

Lin noted that global defence spending reached its highest level last year. “According to statistics, the global defence spending of 2024 is about USD 2.43 trillion, an all-time high. Behind the steady rise in global defence spending is increasingly tense international and regional security situation and growing security deficit,” he expressed.

 “All parties face the common challenge of global security governance. The international community, especially major countries, must take the lead in serving as a propeller for global solidarity and an anchor for world peace,” he stated.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump for Russia, the United States, and China to reduce their defence budgets by half.

Since launching its military offensive in Ukraine in 2022, Russia has significantly increased defence spending, which has fuelled economic growth and contributed to inflation. Last year, Putin stated that defence and security expenditures would reach approximately 8.7% of Russia’s GDP in 2024.

On Monday, he added that while he could not speak on behalf of China, Russia “could come to an agreement with the US (on cutting spending), we’re not against it.”