Taiwan concerns mean China defence budget likely to defy slowing economy

By Ben Blanchard BEIJING (Reuters) - A slowing economy is unlikely to crimp China's 2019 defence budget rise, as Beijing earmarks more spending for modernisation and big-ticket items like stealth jets, and focuses on Taiwan after a stern new year's speech from President Xi Jinping. The defence spending figure is closely watched worldwide for clues to China's strategic intentions as it develops new military capabilities, including aircraft carriers and anti-satellite missiles. In 2018, China unveiled its largest defence spending increase in three years, setting an 8.1 percent growth target for the year, fuelling an ambitious military upgrade programme and making its neighbours nervous.

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