China is increasing its military spending by nearly 10%

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• China has planned to up its military spending by 8.1% in 2018 in an effort to modernize its armed forces. 
• Defense spending has increased following Xi’s appointment as Commander-in-Chief in April 2016.
• Experts said Xi’s designation of Commander in Chief was symbolic and stressed his control over the country and its military power.

China plans to increase its military spending by 8.1% in 2018 in an effort to modernize its armed forces. 

Beijing proposed spending 1.11 trillion yuan ($ 175 billion) on its military, according to its budget report presented ahead of the opening of China’s 13th National People’s Congress on Monday, according to Reuters.

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