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China raises defense budget by 7.2% as it pushes for global heft and regional tensions continue

By HUIZHONG WU and CHRISTOPHER BODEEN
Associated Press

BEIJING (AP) — China is increasing its defense budget by 7.2% this year, similar to last year’s rise. At $222 billion, it is already the world’s second-highest behind the United States. Tensions with the U.S., Taiwan, Japan and neighbors with competing claims to the crucial South China Sea are seen as furthering growth in high-tech military technologies from stealth fighters to aircraft carriers and a growing arsenal of nuclear weapons. The official budget announced Tuesday is considered only a fraction of spending by the People’s Liberation Army, the military wing of the ruling Communist Party, once spending on research and development and foreign weapons purchases are considered.

Article Topic Follows: AP-National

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