China's Defense Expenditure Since 2012 [I]

In the new era, to keep pace with the country's modernization, China is focusing on building a fortified national defense and a strong military commensurate with the country's international standing, and its national security and development interests. China is striving to narrow the gap between its military and the world’s leading militaries, and make up the deficiencies in the military’s capabilities in modern warfare. Defense expenditure is growing steadily and the breakdown of spending is being continuously optimized.

In terms of usage, China's defense expenditure is assigned to three sectors – personnel, training and sustainment, and equipment.

In terms of scope, defense expenditure covers all active forces, reserve forces and militia.