China To Continue Boost To Its Defense Budget For 2024
China is anticipated to maintain its trend of modestly boosting its defense budget in 2024, driven by military modernization needs, security challenges, and economic recovery. Experts foresee an announcement next week reflecting this trend. China’s defense spending in 2023 reached 1.5537 trillion yuan ($224.79 billion), up 7.2% from 2022, marking eight years of single-digit growth since 2016.
Russia Says It Will Respond To Sweden’s NATO Accession
Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated that Moscow pledges retaliation against Sweden’s NATO entry. Sweden’s recent approval as the 32nd member of the U.S.-led alliance, after Hungary’s ratification, marks a significant shift from its traditional military neutrality. The decision, prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has drawn Moscow’s ire, promising consequential actions in response.
Imran’s Claims Of Rigged Polls Gets Credence With New Audio Leaks
Newly leaked audio recordings circulating on social media lend support to former PM Imran Khan’s allegations of widespread election fraud during the February 8 polls. One clip features purported conversations among leaders of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, including Sindh governor Kamran Tessori admitting doubts about the authenticity of their electoral mandate. Tessori acknowledges a previous alliance between MQM-P and Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.
