On March 4, the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National People's Congress held a press conference in the Press Conference Hall of the Great Hall of the People. The spokesperson of the Congress answered questions from Chinese and foreign journalists on the agenda of the Congress and issues related to the work of the National People's Congress.

  Yonhap News Agency reporter: China has become the second largest economy in the world.

In recent years, China's defense expenditures have continued to grow, and its military strength has continued to increase. The domestically-made aircraft carrier "Shandong" has been handed over to the train, and advanced equipment such as the J-20 has been installed in the army.

Excuse me, will China's defense expenditure increase significantly this year?

What will be the increase?

Does China's military development pose a threat to other countries?

Thank you.

  Zhang Yesui: Thank you for your question.

China's defense expenditure is generally in line with the level of national economic development.

Maintaining a moderate and steady growth in defense expenditure is to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, fulfill international responsibilities and obligations, and meet the needs of military reforms with Chinese characteristics.

  Zhang Yesui: China's defense expenditure is open and transparent.

The annual defense expenditure budget is included in the draft national budget, which is reviewed and approved by the National People's Congress.

China participated in the "UN Military Expenditure Transparency System" in 2007, and every year submits basic data on defense expenditures for the previous fiscal year to the United Nations.

  Zhang Yesui: To measure whether a country poses a military threat to other countries, the key depends on what kind of national defense policy the country pursues.

China adheres to the path of peaceful development, pursues a defensive national defense policy, and does not target or threaten any country to strengthen national defense.

Thank you.

  (According to the text of the webcast)