Soldiers march at a People's Liberation Army (PLA) base in Hong Kong as part of events marking the 20th anniversary of the city's handover from British to Chinese rule, June 30, 2017. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj/File Photo
Reuters: Taiwan concerns mean China defense budget likely to defy slowing economy
BEIJING (Reuters) - A slowing economy is unlikely to crimp China’s 2019 defense budget rise, as Beijing earmarks more spending for modernization and big-ticket items like stealth jets, and focuses on Taiwan after a stern new year’s speech from President Xi Jinping.
The defense spending figure is closely watched worldwide for clues to China’s strategic intentions as it develops new military capabilities, including aircraft carriers and anti-satellite missiles.
In 2018, China unveiled its largest defense spending increase in three years, setting an 8.1 percent growth target for the year, fuelling an ambitious military upgrade program and making its neighbors nervous.
The 2019 number should be revealed at the March 5 opening of the annual session of China’s largely rubber-stamp parliament, although in 2017 it was initially not announced, prompting renewed concerns about transparency.
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WNU Editor: I am one of those who believe that China's defense budget is far bigger than what they are announcing. And what they want in the next decade is truly eye-opening .... 4 - 6 aircraft carrier strike groups, 6th generation fighters, strategic bombers, AI platforms, bases on man-made islands, and an arsenal of missiles far more than what they need for their defense.
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