China's 2025 defense budget set at $250 billion

(ECNS) -- China's 2025 defense budget will be 1.81 trillion yuan (about $250 billion), marking a 7.2-percent growth year-on-year, a Chinese military spokesperson said Sunday. 

Wu Qian, spokesperson for the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force, made the remarks during the annual national legislative session.

Central government expenditures will account for 1.78 trillion yuan.

The increased expenditure will focus on developing advanced forces and enhancing systems and capacities for reconnaissance and early warning, joint strikes, battlefield support, and integrated logistics support, he explained. 

It will also go towards improving military training under combat conditions and deepening national defense and military reform, Wu added.

"The Chinese military faces tough challenges in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Wu said.

Compared to major military powers like the United States, China's defense spending remains relatively low in terms of its share of GDP, national fiscal expenditures, per capita defense spending and expenditure per service member, he noted.