BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- China will raise its defense budget by around 7 to 8 percent this year, a spokesperson for the annual session of the national legislature said Friday.

　　At a press conference a day ahead of the National People's Congress annual session, spokesperson Fu Ying said the increase is in line with China's national defense need and fiscal revenue.

　　The exact figure will be released in a budget report Saturday.

　　China's defense budget rose by 10.1 percent last year.

　　China to raise 2016 defense budget by 7-8 pct: spokesperson

　　BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- China will raise its defense budget by around 7 to 8 percent this year, a spokesperson for the annual session of the national legislature said Friday.

　　At a press conference a day ahead of the National People's Congress annual session, spokesperson Fu Ying said the increase is in line with China's national defense need and fiscal revenue.

　　The exact figure will be released in a budget report Saturday.

　　China's defense budget rose by 10.1 percent last year.