Background information (from Xinhua):
Newly increased defense expenditure is to be spent in four aspects
The reporter learnt from the related organ of the general headquarters/departments of the PLA that this year's newly added defense budget is to be spent mainly in four aspects:
First, adequately increase input in constructing hi-tech weaponry and equipment as well as supporting facilities to promote the scientific development of national defense and army building and accelerate the transformation of the combat power generation mode.
Second, promote construction of logistics infrastructure of troop units to improve the working and living conditions of officers and men.
Third, adjust the maintenance spending of troop units to align with the socio-economic development of the country and mitigate the pressure caused by rising prices.
Fourth, step up capacity building of non-battle military operations like anti-terrorism, stability safeguarding and disaster relief, and improve the troop units' ability to deal with various security threats and accomplish diversified military tasks.
The budget proposal submitted for deliberation to the First Session of the 12th NPC shows that China's defense budget in 2013 will be 720 billion RMB ($ 116 billion), a year-on-year increase of 10.7%.
Year's first rainfall for Beijing