Wu Qian, spokesperson for the delegation of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Armed Police Force, made those remarks on the sidelines of the two annual sessions of the legislature and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the country’s top advisory body.

The increase aims to strengthen military capabilities in new areas and characteristics, Wu said.

The funds will mainly be used to develop systems and capabilities related to reconnaissance, early warning, joint warfare, battlefield support, and integrated logistics.

They will also be used to improve military training under combat conditions and deepen national and military defense reforms.

Compared with other major military powers such as the United States, China’s defense spending remains relatively low, the spokesperson added.

Wu noted that this is reflected in the ratio of the defense budget to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), its share in national fiscal spending, per capita defense spending, and spending per military personnel.

The spokesperson also underscored that China faces one of the most complex security environments globally, especially since it has yet to achieve full reunification.

“The Chinese armed forces face tough challenges in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he stated.

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