China says 2024 defense spending to rise 7.2%

BEIJING, March 5 – China’s 2024 defense spending will rise 7.2% from 2023, according to an official work report reviewed by Reuters on Tuesday.

The National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s rubber-stamp parliament, is due to hear Premier Li Qiang’s first work report at its annual meeting in Beijing on Tuesday.

The target rise for last year’s defense budget was also 7.2%.