China To Boost Defense Spending Nearly 13 Percent
The BBC reports:
China is to increase its defence budget in 2011, amid fears in the region that its military might is growing.
Spending will increase by 12.7% to 601.1bn yuan ($91.5bn; £56.2bn) up from 532.1bn yuan last year, a government spokesman has said.
Some analysts say the real numbers could be higher.
The announcement comes a day ahead of the annual National People's Congress, at which the Communist Party will outline its five-year plan.
Military build-up
China has been building up its military in recent years.
The defence budget was increased by 7.5% in 2010, after double-digit jumps in previous years.
However, Chinese parliamentary spokesman Li Zhaoxing said the increase was justified.
"China's defence spending is relatively low by world standards," Mr Li said.
"China has always paid attention to restraining defence spending," he added.
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