China Plans 7.1 Percent Defense Spending Rise This Year, Outpacing GDP Target

Chinese soldiers stand guard in Beijing, China, on March 5, 2022. Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters

BEIJING—China will spend 7.1 percent more on defense this year, outpacing last year’s hike and the Chinese regime’s modest economic growth forecast.

Premier Li Keqiang pledged to enhance military training and combat readiness for the Chinese army, which is developing an array of weapons from stealth fighters to aircraft carriers.