China increases budget for defence spending

Military delegates march ahead of the opening session of the National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (Andy Wong/AP)

China said on Wednesday it will increase its defence budget by 7.2% this year.

The budget was announced at the National People’s Congress, the annual meeting of China’s legislature. The Pentagon and many experts say China’s total defence spending may be 40% higher or more because of items included under other budgets.