Southeast Asia's $10.5 Billion Military Spending Surge Amid China Tensions
Published on 6.1.25
Southeast Asia's defence spending has surged by $2.7 billion between 2022 and 2024, reaching a total of $10.5 billion, according to recent reports. This increase is in response to growing concerns about China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as regional tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.
This trend is part of a broader shift towards increased military investment in the region, with some Asian countries expanding their industrial partnerships and boosting their defense industries. The International Institute for Strategic Studies notes that this is driven by a deteriorating security environment, prompting nations to invest in weapons and research.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has expressed openness to increasing defence spending further, stating that Australia is willing to "calibrate its defence spending" to meet strategic challenges.