China faces tough challenges in protecting sovereignty: Wu

China on Sunday defended its $249 billion defence budget, which is next only to the US, saying it faces tough challenges in safeguarding sovereignty and the increased amount will be used to develop new-domain forces with the latest combat capabilities and joint strikes by its armed forces.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced on Wednesday in the Parliament that the planned defence expenditure for the country this year is 1.78 trillion yuan.

“The Chinese military faces tough challenges in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Defence Spokesperson Sr Co Wu Qian said during the ongoing annual parliament session.

While China cites the heavy US budget, its increasing defence spending is putting pressure on India. The Chinese defence spending amounted to three times that of India’s Rs 6,81,210 crore . Wu said the expenditure will be used to develop new-domain force.