Advertisement
China’s 6.6 per cent defence spending boost marks slowest growth in three decades
- Budget of US$178 billion announced as the country faces growing security risks and economic impact of coronavirus pandemic
- Premier Li Keqiang says Beijing will deepen reforms of military, and increase logistics and equipment support
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
China will boost defence spending by 6.6 per cent this year – the lowest rate in three decades – as Beijing faces growing security risks and economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
The 1.27 trillion yuan (US$178.6 billion) defence budget was announced on Friday, the opening day of the legislature’s annual meeting in Beijing. But although the increase marks the slowest growth since 1989, it is a minor adjustment from last year’s 7.5 per cent rise in military spending.
It comes after China’s economy saw its first quarterly decline since 1992, with shutdown measures to contain the coronavirus resulting in a 6.8 per cent contraction in the first three months of the year.
Advertisement
For the first time, Beijing did not set a target for the year’s economic growth. The central government also said it would cut spending across a range of sectors including foreign affairs, education and science, with general public services to take the biggest cut of 13.3 per cent.
00:44
Two Sessions 2020: China increases defence spending by 6.6 per cent
Two Sessions 2020: China increases defence spending by 6.6 per cent
But Premier Li Keqiang, delivering the government work report, said military spending would continue to expand.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x