Smaller boost in military spending seen

Figure expected to be the lowest since 2010, as nation tries to balance economic growth with defense outlays

The increase in China's military budget will be much lower than earlier speculations, which put the figure at more than 20 percent, said the spokeswoman for the annual session of the top legislature on Friday.

"This year we will continue to increase our military spending, but the rate of increase will be lower compared with those of the past several years," said Fu Ying at a news briefing.