China defense budget surpasses 1 trillion RMB
Updated 10:57, 28-Jun-2018
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By CGTN's Han Bin

China's total defense budget for 2017 is to surpass one trillion yuan (150 billion US dollars) for the first time. However, this will also mark the third consecutive year of decline in the defense spending growth rate. CGTN reporter Han Bin has interviewed senior military experts participating in the political season in Beijing. 

A new stage of modernization

A country's military spending represents the most direct way of measuring its military capability. It also serves to identify the importance of a country's armed forces relative to other organs of state. Many believe the total amount marks a new stage of army modernization.
NPC Deputy Chen Zhou says China's defense budget increase is better coordinated with its economic growth. The moderate increase is to deal with rising security challenges. He says the increased budget will go primarily to weaponry upgrade and maintenance, as well as personnel and training.
"The security factors make it necessary to raise the budget," says Major General Chen Zhou, NPC Deputy, who is also a senior researcher from the PLA Academy of Military Science. /CGTN Photo

"The security factors make it necessary to raise the budget," says Major General Chen Zhou, NPC Deputy, who is also a senior researcher from the PLA Academy of Military Science. /CGTN Photo

CPPCC Member Yin Zhuo says the systematic transformation of the army over the years is crucial to boost its strength. He says reform is aimed at being able to win a war, but this will take years to achieve, and the yearly budget increase is reasonable.
"Without reforms, money spent on development may not result in real combat strength," says Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo, CPPCC Member, who is also Director of PLA Navy Information Committee. /CGTN Photo

"Without reforms, money spent on development may not result in real combat strength," says Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo, CPPCC Member, who is also Director of PLA Navy Information Committee. /CGTN Photo

Reform needs money

Over the past year, the PLA started implementing a series of major changes to theater levels of command. These are the institutions that plan, command, and sustain joint operations. The aim is to improve conditions for the armed forces amid rising costs and greater competition. The army is also ready to play a bigger role in peacekeeping and anti-terror activities beyond China's borders. All of this, along with upgrading equipment and extensive training, needs money.
China comes under criticism pretty much every year when it unveils its defense budget. With security challenges on the rise, and its economic growth continues, the country's military spending is likely to continue to rise in the future.
Aircraft carrier Liaoning under joint operation training in the South China Sea. /CGTN photo

Aircraft carrier Liaoning under joint operation training in the South China Sea. /CGTN photo