(BBC News) China will increase military spending by more than 7% this year, while warning of “escalating” threats.
It was announced at the National People’s Congress (NPC), a rubber-stamp parliament, which is due to confirm President Xi Jinping’s third term.
Beijing’s stated military budget of around $225 billion is still dwarfed by that of the United States, which is about four times greater.
But analysts believe China downplays how much it spends on defence.
“The armed forces should intensify military training and preparedness across the board.”
The Two Sessions, as the meetings are known, are an annual affair.
But this year’s sessions are particularly significant as delegates are expected to reshape several key Communist Party and state institutions.
This week’s NPC meeting will also formalize Xi’s leadership of the country, as he will be elected president of China and head of the armed forces.
He secured his position in the echelons of Chinese power in October last year, when the Communist Party elected him as their leader for a third term.
The increase in military spending comes as Xi is navigating worsening relations with the U.S. over the Ukraine war and the recent spy-balloon saga, as his ties grow closer with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
China sees self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be under Beijing’s control.
