China’s military budget is the second largest in the world, behind that of the United States

In his bid to see China become a true superpower, President Xi Jinping has committed to a monumental task. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say he has staked his authority as president on it. Basically, he is seeking to overhaul the Chinese military, which is still largely organized as it was when a million peasant soldiers mustered under Mao Zedong. Mr. Xi wants a military that can project power across the Pacific and face regional rivals like Japan in defense of Chinese interests.

China’s military budget has grown to be the second largest in the world, with an estimated $188 billion spent last year, compared to the US’s $644 billion. Though this remains within the high 3 percent range of the nation’s GDP, it also represents a %90 increase…