Moscow, Russia:
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin appear to be on the same page for most recent issues. In that way, Russia and the United States now look like allies. The latest agreement between the two leaders is defence spending.
President Trump recently proposed that the US, Russia and China all cut military spending and defense budgets by half. Surprisingly, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the proposal, calling it a “good proposal,” and Moscow said it was “more than he is pleased for discussion,” in order to explore such results.
However, China’s Xi Jinping rejected the proposal amid Beijing’s expansionist policy.
Putin backs playing cards
When asked in a television interview about Moscow’s position on President Trump’s proposal, Putin said, “I think that’s a good idea. The US cuts its defense budget by 50%, we cut it by 50%, and then if that agrees, China will also take part.”
When asked, Putin said he could not speak for China, but confirmed that Moscow was certainly open to negotiations. “We can reach a mutual agreement with Washington (50% defence budget cuts), and we’re not opposed at all,” he said.
Over the past three years, Russia has significantly increased its military budget since the start of the war in Ukraine. Putin publicly acknowledged that Moscow’s defense spending accounts for close to Russia’s GDP.
Moscow’s willingness to discuss mutual reductions in defence spending with Washington is another indicator that the war in Ukraine may soon be heading towards a ceasefire. Such a move by Moscow may satisfy Europe and NATO allies, who are concerned about the accumulation of Russian military power and the constant accumulation of weapons and military platforms.
China rejects Trump’s proposal
Beijing revealed he has no interest in slowing down the accumulation of giant arms. Washington and Moscow say they may do whatever they want, but Beijing is certainly not a party to that.
Lin Jiang, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, said it was called “necessary” and “necessary.”
The spokesman further said Beijing’s military budget would be “justified” because it is “a domestic and regional security needs” and is necessary to “contribute to world peace.”
“China supports its self-defense strategy, pursues a coordinated development between the economy and national defense, and is not involved in arms races with any country,” Lin continued.
At $236 billion, China has the world’s second largest defence budget. The US is the best Spenders. Beijing has been increasing its military spending every year since Xi Jinping became president. In 2024 alone, Beijing increased its annual defense budget by 7.2% compared to the previous year.
China has rapidly modernised its military across land, air, sea and space as it aims to replace us as a global military power.
Donald Trump’s appeal
Earlier this month, Donald Trump said, “One of the first meetings I have is Chinese President XI and Russian President Putin, who wants to say, “Let’s cut our military budget in half.” “We say we can solve this, we can spend this on other things.”
“And I think we can do that,” Trump said.
President Trump has called on Putin and Xi Jinping to denuclearize and cut its stockpiles. The US, Russia and China have the largest nuclear weapons in the world. It accounts for more than 90% of all weapons of mass destruction.
“We already have so many (nuclear weapons). We can destroy the world 100 times more,” Trump said, adding, “China is catching up because we are so behind us (US and Russia), but within five or six years, they’ll be even.”
