Moderate hike in defense budget a national necessity

China's defense budget has always made headlines during the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee. This year the defense budget will increase by about 7 percent, and the military spending will account for about 1.3 percent of GDP, according to the NPC press release on Saturday.

The fact is, the moderate increase in China's defense spending is a necessity. The modernization of the military is in line with China's security needs and its responsibility as a major power to maintain global stability.

Started in 2015, China's deepening national defense and military reform, from the reorganization of certain military services to the relocation of some troops, costs money. Plus, raising the pay of military personnel and funding research in advanced weapons, which are also part of the reform, warrant a well-balanced defense budget.