China says it will boost its defence budget in 2011

[Gerald]

China is to increase its defence budget in 2011, amid fears in the region that its military might is growing.

Spending will increase by 12.7% to 601.1bn yuan ($91.5bn; £56.2bn) up from 532.1bn yuan last year, officials said.

Many analysts say China's actual spending on defence is far higher than the government reports.

The announcement comes a day ahead of the annual National People's Congress, at which the Communist Party will outline its five-year plan.

Military build-up.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12631357

Note: 4 March 2011 Last updated at 08:16 GMT

[Kazuaki Shimazaki II]

Generally, I have mixed feelings when it comes to China's military growth. On the one hand, 2% of GNP, even adding a unrevealed budget, is not exactly a disproportionate allocation, and the United States being the world's biggest military spender is in a weak position to complain.

On the other hand, it is already more than everyone else, and clearly offensively oriented. Regardless of any other defensive intentions, the goal is to have enough to OFFENSIVELY take a island with a reasonably capable military. This is something that would make even the US blink, and that means a LOT of threatening offensive power...

[Gerald]

...And most people are well aware that China is spending much money on its defense

[Jimbuna]

Anything we didn't know? :hmmm: