The Chinese government has announced the defence budget for the fiscal year 2022 to be 1.45 trillion dollars (USD 23 billion), a 7.1 per cent increase over the previous year. Today, the state-owned China Daily reported quoting the budget proposal in the draft that Minister Li Keqiang sent to the National People’s Congress (NPC), the nation’s parliament. The rise means China’s defence budget will be more than three times as much as India’s, which amounts to 5.25 lakh crore (about USD 70 billion) in 2022. In China last year, defence expenditures, for the very first time, surpassed 200 billion dollars. In 2021, China’s defence budget increased by 6.8 per cent to USD 209 billion. China has the second-largest airforce, second only to the United States.
India vs China Defence Comparison
Manpower
INDIA | CHINA | |
Active personnel: | 1,455,550 | 2,185,000 |
Reserve personnel: | 1,155,000 | 8,000,000 |
Available for military: | 319,129,420 | 385,821,101 |
Land Forces
INDIA | CHINA | ||
Tanks: | 4,614 | 5,750 | |
Armoured fighting vehicles: | 8,600 | 14,130 | |
Total artillery: | 2,799 | 7,094 | |
Self-propelled artillery: | 100 | 2,720 | |
Rocket artillery: | 960 | 3,140 |
Air Forces
INDIA | CHINA | ||
Total aircraft: | 2,263 | 4,630 | |
Fighter aircraft: | 173 | 1,049 | |
Multirole aircraft: | 405 | 1,130 | |
Attack aircraft: | 120 | 120 | |
Helicopters: | 729 | 1,355 | |
UCAV (combat drone): | 12 | 151 |
Navy
INDIA | CHINA | ||
Total naval: | 267 | 742 | |
Aircraftcarriers: | 1 | 4 | |
Destroyers: | 11 | 38 | |
Frigates: | 13 | 54 | |
corvettes: | 23 | 73 | |
Submarines: | 16 | 74 |
India vs China Airforce
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), is more powerful compared to Indian Air force (IAF) in terms of its fleet and strategic inventory.
However, the IAF is more reliable in its platforms and bases for strategic purposes and experienced troops.
China
- China has the second-largest airforce globally, whereas IAF ranks fourth globally.
- The PLAAF’s massive fighter aircraft and modern air defence systems challenge IAF’s fleet size.
- PLAAF has over 2,000 battle aircraft, more than two times the IAF’s 900 combat aircraft.
- PLAAF is a strategic long-range bomber fleet and has more strategic assets, including the airborne warning and controlling system (AWACS) aircraft and combat drones, compared to the IAF.
India
- IAF pilots have hands-on experience in combat missions at high altitudes.
- The location of the bases close to the LAC guarantees uninterrupted support for India’s air assets.
- Combat-tested platforms for aerial combat, such as the AH-64E Apaircraftd CH-47F Chinook, provide reliability during conflicts. The modern fleet of transport aircraft allows quick transfer of equipment and supplies into the operational zones.
- While the PLAAF is preparing to introduce J-20, it was said to be a fifth generation due to its stealth characteristics. It is considered to be inferior to the IAF Rafale, which is a 4.5-generation aircraft.
India-China War of 1962
India did not anticipate the possibility that China would ever attack it; however, it did.
India faced an attack on 20 October 20th, 1962; it became the Sino-India or Indian china war in 1962. The idea of never facing an attack by China didn’t allow the Indian army to get ready, and it resulted in a confrontation between 10,000 to 20,000 Indian troops and the 80,000 Chinese troops. The war lasted about one month and finally ended on 21 November, following the day that China declared a cease-fire.
What happened in the Galwan Valley?
The border conflict between China and India in 2020 was a result of Indian Chinese and Indian Chinese forces in a violent clash for six hours at Galwan Valley on 15 June.
While the exact cause for the fight was not known, both sides accused one another of inciting the fighting.
The fighting was intense and was not accompanied by gunfire. There were twenty Indians in addition to 43 Chinese deaths, according to Indian media.
The Chinese Ministry of National Defence confirmed the number of casualties but declined to disclose the number of casualties.
Despite the gap of six decades between 1962 and 2020, and an array of agreements following returning to diplomatic activity in 1976, The two events share certain similarities.
Conclusion
The budget increase is expected due to two factors. First, China’s modernisation program is in full flow. Under the centenary objectives set out by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will be modernised by 2027. The CPC has decided in the future that the modernisation process of “national defence and the armed forces” must be completed in 2035. The increase in China’s defence budget spending will majorly impact India. The increase in spending will result in a greater gap between Chinese and Indian capabilities in the military. In conjunction with China’s modernisation push and its emphasis on the use of high-tech technology within the army, India has a significant deficit to fill in the area of hard power.
As a seasoned defense analyst with a deep understanding of global military capabilities, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge derived from extensive research, firsthand experience, and a keen interest in geopolitical affairs. My expertise lies in comprehending defense budgets, military strategies, and the comparative strengths of various armed forces.
The recent announcement by the Chinese government regarding its defense budget for the fiscal year 2022 underscores the nation's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities. The budget of 1.45 trillion dollars (USD 23 billion), reflecting a 7.1% increase over the previous year, signifies China's assertive stance in the realm of national security. This information, gleaned from the draft budget proposal presented by Minister Li Keqiang to the National People’s Congress, demonstrates the meticulous tracking of key defense developments.
In the context of the article comparing the defense capabilities of India and China, it's imperative to analyze multiple facets of their military strengths. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts presented:
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Defense Budgets:
- China's defense budget for 2022 is 1.45 trillion dollars, a 7.1% increase from the previous year.
- This budget is more than three times that of India, whose defense budget for 2022 amounts to about USD 70 billion.
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Manpower:
- China boasts a larger active personnel (2,185,000) and reserve personnel (8,000,000) compared to India.
- The available military pool in China is also higher, with 385,821,101 compared to India's 319,129,420.
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Land Forces:
- China surpasses India in the number of tanks, armored fighting vehicles, total artillery, self-propelled artillery, and rocket artillery.
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Air Forces:
- China has the second-largest air force globally, with over 4,630 total aircraft, compared to India's 2,263.
- The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is noted for its massive fighter aircraft and modern air defense systems.
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Navy:
- China's navy is significantly larger, with more aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and submarines compared to India.
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India vs. China Airforce:
- While PLAAF has a larger fleet, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is considered more reliable in terms of platforms and experienced troops.
- IAF's strategic advantages include hands-on experience in high-altitude combat, reliable bases, and combat-tested platforms.
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India-China War of 1962:
- A brief overview of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, highlighting the surprise attack by China.
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Galwan Valley Conflict (2020):
- A summary of the border conflict in 2020, citing the violent clash at Galwan Valley and the casualties on both sides.
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Conclusion:
- The budget increase is attributed to China's modernization program, aligned with the objectives of the Communist Party of China and the People’s Liberation Army.
- The rise in defense spending is expected to widen the gap between Chinese and Indian military capabilities, especially in the context of China's emphasis on high-tech military technology.
In conclusion, the intricate analysis provided in this article underscores the evolving dynamics of the military balance between India and China, with a focus on budgetary allocations, manpower, and technological advancements.
