China boosting defence budget 7.2% in 2025

News Snapshot:

Military delegates march ahead of the opening session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) TAIPEI, Taiwan — China said Wednesday it will increase its defence budget 7.2 per cent this year, as it continues its campaign to build a larger, more modern military to assert its territorial claims and challenge the U.S. defence lead in Asia. China’s military spending remains the second largest behind the U.S. and it already has the world’s largest navy. The budget, which adds up to about US$245 billion,...