China defense budget to increase 12.2 pct in 2014
2014年中国国防预算将增加12.2%

China plans to raise its defense budget by 12.2 percent to over 800 billion yuan, or some 130 billion US dollars for this year. This figure was released by the Budget report submitted to the National People’s Congress for review on Wednesday.

CCTV reporter Han Bin interviewed Major General Chen Zhou, an NPC deputy and also a defense researcher with the PLA Military Science Academy, who believes China’s military spending is moderate and in line with the country’s security needs.

China unveils its military spending. The new defense budget will be mainly used to upgrade weaponry, and improve living and training standards for soldiers.

As in past years, China has decided to maintain a double-digit growth. But Chen Zhou believes despite this rise, overall spending remains relatively low.

“Compared with other major powers, China’s spending in national defense is well below the world average. I think the military spending has been appropriate," Chen said.

Chen Zhou acknowledged that China is under increasing strategic pressure, with rising maritime strategic risks, territorial and maritime disputes, as well as terrorist threats. These security factors make it necessary to raise the defense budget on a moderate scale.

Chen also attributed the partial increase in defense spending to the increasing international responsibilities China is facing, such as escorting and peace-keeping missions.

The PLA is undergoing deep changes, looking to focus more on quality. The defense budget rise will help it realize its goals.

China’s military spending has long been cited as a cause for concern by many western countries. Some even criticized China as being a threat to the region. But China says that peace could only be safeguarded through strength. No doubt, along with its economic development, the country’s military spending will continue to rise in the future.