Chinese draft budget describes 6.6% defence spending increase
China will increase defence spending by 6.6% in 2020, according to a draft budget released on 22 May.
State-controlled news agency Xinhua noted that this will be the ‘lowest growth rate in recent years’, and the fifth consecutive annual single-digit increase.
The CNY1.27 trillion ($179 billion) official budget is now being deliberated by the annual National People’s Congress (NPC), but Chinese defence expenditure is actually much higher.
Data released last month by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that China was the second-largest military spender in the world in 2019 with $261 billion, behind the US.
Indeed, China accounted for 14% of global military spending in 2019 and spent 85% more on defence in 2019 than in 2010.
More from Defence Notes
-
Patria OPTIME and ILIAS: Orchestrating operational readiness across every domain
Patria OPTIME is a sustainment concept that integrates MRO and lifecycle services into one solution, powered by the ILIAS digital defence platform
-
US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems
US Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command initiatives signal demand for interoperable uncrewed systems control, creating opportunities for suppliers of hardware, software and integration services.
-
“Start planning much earlier”: delivering defence support in an era of disruption
In Conversation… The geopolitical landscape is increasingly uncertain, with the UK and its allies confronting the most unpredictable international environment for decades. To adapt, defence readiness must begin long before assets reach the front line, forging a resilient support enterprise that can thrive in a time of ongoing disruption, argue the partners of Team ORION.
-
“Communicating at mission speed”: why data security is essential for operational success
In conversation… Everfox’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dave Wajsgras and Managing Director, International, Colin McKinty discuss the critical importance of information security in defence, minimising insider risk and the company’s international growth strategy with Shephard’s Andrew White.
-
“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence
In Conversation… Shephard’s Andrew White talks to Zafer Şen, CEO and co-founder of OBSS, about the future of command-and-control software in the age of artificial intelligence, and his company’s ambitions in the UK defence market.