The Chinese Government issued its seventh white paper on national defense on March 31. The white paper presents an overall picture of China's national defense ranging from the security environment, national defense policy, to defense expenditure and arms control.

The white paper says China's defense expenditure mainly comprises expenses for personnel, training and maintenance, and equipment, with each accounting for roughly one third of the total.

In the past two years, increases in defense expenditure have been used to improve support conditions for the troops and accomplish diverse military tasks, ranging from earthquake rescue and escort operations in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia, says the white paper.

In view of the upward trend in purchasing prices and maintenance costs, it says China has moderately increased funding for hi-tech weaponry and equipment and its supporting facilities.