China Boosts Defense Spending by 7.2% Again; Drops 'Peaceful Reunification' Rhetoric on Taiwan
- China to increase defense spending by 7.2%, the same rate as last year
- Defense budget reaches 1.67 trillion yuan ($230.6 billion)
- China drops previous reference to "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan
- Reiterates opposition to "Taiwan independence" and external interference
- Economic growth target for 2024 remains around 5%, similar to last year