China To Increase Defence Spending By 15 Per Cent

From The Telegraph:

The 14.9 per cent rise to 480.7 billion yuan (£50 billion), up 62.5 billion yuan from 2008, was announced in advance of the annual meeting of the rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress.

It is slightly smaller than the increase in recent years, suggesting that the government is focusing its spending on boosting the wider economy.

But after rises of 17.8 per cent in 2007 and 17.6 per cent in 2008, it still amounts to a rise of more than half since 2006.

In addition, the United States claims that real spending is significantly higher, as many costs, including major arms purchases, are kept off the officially announced budget.

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More News On China's Military

China's defense budget to grow 14.9% in 2009 -- China View
China to boost defence spending by 14.9% -- AFP
China to boost defense spending by 15 pct in 2009 -- AP
China to boost military spending -- BBC
China Boosts Military Spending -- Voice Of America
FACTBOX-China's defence capabilities -- Reuters