China to Boost Military Spending by Nearly 15 Percent

BEIJING – China said Wednesday it plans to boost military spending by 14.9 percent in 2009.

The figure marked the 19th double digit percentage increase in defense spending in 20 years.

National People's Congress spokesman Li Zhaoxing said the increase would not pose a threat to any country, and that much of the increase would go to salaries and benefits for China's 2.3 million-strong military force.