China keeps defence budget secret, says hikes are modest

BEIJING : China on Sunday kept its defence budget under wraps, breaking from the tradition of announcing it a day ahead of the opening of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s legislature.

Zhang Yesui, NPC spokesperson, did not reveal the figure at a press conference but said China has increased its spending on military by modest margins in recent years. China's defence budget, in terms of its share of gross domestic product and per capita spending, is lower than other major countries, Zhang said. A country's defence budget needs to fit the nation's economic development and national security, he added.

China has increased its defence expenditure in recent years mostly to update arms and equipment, improve soldiers’ living conditions and training environment, Zhang said, adding, “China is committed to a path of peaceful development, and pursues a defence policy that is defensive in nature.”

“China's development will not pose a threat to other countries.”

The announcement of China’s defence expenditure is closely followed as an indicator of its strategic intent as Beijing expands its influence worldwide. The defence outlay will be particularly important for several of its neighbours – including India – with whom China has territorial disputes. In 2017, China increased its defence budget by 7%, the lowest hike in seven years.