Alarm bell for the world! China hints at increasing defense budget

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China on Saturday hinted at increasing its defense budget, citing “complex security challenges” ahead of its annual parliament session. Information about the new ministers, including the names of Prime Minister Li Keqiang’s successor, could be revealed during the parliament session.

The budget session of the Chinese Parliament began on Saturday with the meeting of the top advisory body ‘Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference’ (CPPCC). At the same time, the meeting of the National Legislature ‘National People’s Congress’ (NPC) will start from Sunday.

More than 5,000 delegates and advisers will take part in the week-long sessions, during which China will formally announce its new cabinet and top official leadership. There is a possibility that during this time the name of Li Qiang, close to President Xi Jinping, can be announced as the successor of Chinese Prime Minister Li.

Barring President Xi, 69, all top leaders will be replaced in line with the tradition of changing leadership teams every 10 years. Before the start of the NPC session, spokesman Wang Chao signaled an increase in the country’s defense budget, which totaled $230 billion after a 7.1 percent increase last year.

The US defense budget is $777.1 billion, after which China’s defense budget is the second largest defense expenditure. While not disclosing the amount of the budget, Wang said that it would be formally announced at the NPC on Sunday.

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