China to boost military spending by about 7 to 8 percent

In this Sept. 3, 2015 file photo, Chinese President Xi Jinping is displayed on a big screen as Type 99A2 Chinese battle tanks roll across during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender during World War II in Beijing. AP FILE PHOTO

BEIJING — China says it will boost military spending by about 7 to 8 percent this year, the smallest increase in about five years, reflecting slowing economic growth and a drawdown of 300,000 troops as Beijing seeks to build a more streamlined, modern military.

Fu Ying, spokeswoman for the National People’s Congress, China’s ceremonial legislature, told reporters Friday that China needs to consider its defense needs, economic development and the country’s fiscal position in drafting the defense budget.

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The People’s Liberation Army, being trimmed to 2 million troops from 2.3 million, will still be the world’s largest standing military. It remains a major priority for China’s leaders who have pushed an increasingly aggressive campaign to assert territorial claims in the South China Sea and East China Sea, raising tensions with its neighbors.

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