**China has said its military spending will increase by 7.5% in 2010, ending a long run of double-digit growth.**It will spend 532.1bn yuan ($77.9bn, £51.7bn) over the year, the spokesman of the country’s annual parliamentary session announced.
Li Zhaoxing said that, as a proportion of GDP, China still spends less than other countries such as the US.
Washington has repeatedly urged China to be more open about its rapidly rising military spending.
Speaking at a news conference, Mr Li claimed China is increasing transparency on its military spending.
He said China’s increase in spending would help it meet various security threats.
But he added: “The only purpose of China’s limited military strength is to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”