Defense spending

What we know about China’s increased defense spending in 2018

China’s defense budget will rise 8.1 percent to 1.1 trillion yuan (U.S. $173.4 billion) this year as the country prepares to launch its second aircraft carrier, integrate stealth fighters into its air force, and field an array of advanced missiles able to attack air and sea targets at vast distances.

The figure released in a report Monday to the ceremonial National People’s Congress is an increase in the growth rate from last year, when Finance Ministry officials said the budget was rising 7 percent to 1 trillion yuan.

Years of double-digit percentage growth have given China the world’s second-largest defense budget after the United States, which is in a class of its own with a proposed budget of $716 billion for next year.

“We will stick to the Chinese path in strengthening our armed forces, advance all aspects of military training and war preparedness,” Premier Li Keqiang said as he read a report to nearly 3,000 delegates at the Great Hall of the People.

The armed forces will “firmly and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests,” Li said.