China, which has the world's second-largest defence budget after the United States, has seen 6.6 percent growth in its defence budget for this year, its lowest rate of increase for almost three decades.

The growth in China’s defence budget would see spending rise from $167 billion last year to $178.2 billion, an increase of about $11 billion.

“We will deepen reforms in national defence and the military, increase our logistic and equipment support capacity, and promote innovative development of defence-related science and technology,” Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said.