China’s plans for military growth driven by ‘internal factors’, territorial security, say experts

That option is partly aimed at “interference” by external forces, he said.

Beijing faces renewed criticism from the West over aggression towards Taiwan. Tensions between Beijing and the West rose in August following United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei.

When asked how Mr Xi will balance potential armed reunification with the rejuvenation of his country, Dr Gore said that while Taiwan is a “very, very central issue” for China, national rejuvenation is more important.

“China national rejuvenation is a much larger project and (the) Taiwan issue can be solved when China really becomes a top dog in world politics,” he said.

PROMOTING “PEACEFUL DEVELOPMENTS”

Despite its plans for military growth, China’s foreign policy, as detailed by Mr Xi in his speech, is one that would take into consideration other countries’ interests and promote economic development and “not one that would, you know, send warships around the world”, said Dr Li.

He was explaining the context of Mr Xi’s vision of China taking the centrestage of global affairs.

“He was saying that China would promote peaceful developments, and it’s not a policy that would be using coercive ways to promote its interest but would promote common prosperity of all the other countries,” he said.

Mr Xi, who is expected to secure an unprecedented third term at the end of the meeting, is unlikely to continue on to a fourth term, although this may depend on whether or not he has fulfilled the tasks he sets out in his third term, the experts said.

“I don’t believe that fourth term would be on the table at this point of time, but his concentration would be fulfilling his own ambition to …  rejuvenate the country and to make China authentic … on this international stage,” said Dr Li.