China military budget up 7-8% in 2016

(ANSA) - Beijing, March 4 - China's military budget is set to rise 7-8% in 2016 compared to last year, according to Fu Ying, spokesman for the National People's Congress, the Associated Press reported Friday.
    It will be the smallest increase in six years, reflecting slowing growth in the world's second-largest economy and a drawdown of 300,000 troops as Beijing seeks to build a more streamlined, modern military.