Admiral John Aquilino, the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, expressed his concerns about China’s increase in defense spending during a press conference in Tokyo. He mentioned that China’s economy is facing challenges, particularly in the real estate sector, and questioned the accuracy of its official growth rates. Despite these economic struggles, Aquilino noted that China was investing significantly more in its military than the 7.2% increase it had announced last month.
Aquilino criticized China for its aggressive behavior in the South and East China Seas, specifically mentioning the disputed Second Thomas Shoal and Taiwan. He raised alarms about China’s coercive tactics towards Taiwan and its increasingly belligerent rhetoric. The Chinese foreign ministry did not respond immediately to requests for comment on Aquilino’s statements.
In addition to China, Aquilino condemned North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, for prioritizing military spending over addressing food shortages in the country. He described North Korea’s allocation of resources towards military capabilities as “disgusting” and criticized the regime for neglecting the well-being of the North Korean people. Aquilino emphasized the importance of redirecting economic resources towards humanitarian needs rather than military buildup.
Overall, Aquilino’s remarks highlighted his concerns about the implications of China and North Korea’s military spending decisions on regional stability and humanitarian considerations. He urged both countries to reassess their priorities and allocate resources more responsibly.