BEIJING — China announced Thursday a planned 7.5 percent boost in defense spending this year, a smaller increase than expected and the first time in more than two decades the jump has been less than double-digits.

The increase will be used to enhance China's ability "to meet various threats," National People's Congress spokesman Li Zhaoxing told a nationally televised news conference.

"China is committed to peaceful development and a military posture that is defensive in nature," Li said.

He said China's defense budget of 532.11 billion yuan ($77.9 billion) was relatively low
The Associated Press: China announces 7.5 pct jump in defense spending