NEWS: Increase in Chinese Military Budget

The 2.5 million member PLA (People's Liberation Army) has just recieved a jump in military spending from the Chinese government. The 11.6% increase over 2003 military spending has raised the Chinese national military budget to its highest total ever of $25 billion dollars. The number while high still pales in comparison to the United States military budget of $400 billion +. The increase comes amid Taiwanese elections that are suppose to be held on March 20th.

"The 2.5 million-member PLA is the world's largest military. Its chief concern at the moment is the question of Taiwan, the island that the Beijing leadership regards as sovereign territory and has vowed to take by force if necessary.

China has also begun using the influence of its military for diplomatic purposes. Relations between the American and Chinese militaries, which hit a low point in 2001 after the midair collision of a U.S. spy plane and a Chinese fighter jet off China's southern coast, are on the mend as well. "

www.guardian.co.uk...



[Edited on 5-3-2004 by Dreamz]