China cites need to boost military spending as People's Congress meets

March 4 (UPI) -- China needs to increase its military budget to "fulfill its responsibility as a major country," a Beijing official said Saturday ahead of the annual National People's Congress.

NPC spokesman Wang Chao made the comments as China's national legislature prepared to convene on Sunday and meet through March 13.

In his remarks, Wang did not elaborate on the size of the budget he was referring to, which is expected to be unveiled during the first official day of the Congress, but emphasized the move is not meant to ratchet up conflict with the United States.

The annual meeting comes at a time of increased tension between China and the United States over the status of Taiwan, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the downing of a Chinese spy balloon that flew over U.S. territory.

The beefed-up defense spending "is not intended as a threat to any country but will be a positive force for safeguarding regional stability and world peace," Wang said.

He mainly touted Chinese unity Saturday during the opening ceremony of the legislature's standing committee, known as the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, asserting Beijing has "reached out" to people in Taiwan and is "encouraging dialogue" with Hong Kong citizens, Bloomberg reported.

During the Congress, Chinese government officials are expected be rotated out of their positions, including Premier Li Kequiang, who will be replaced by Li Quiang after delivering a final report on China's economy on Sunday.

Chinese business leaders, including Li Shufu of automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and Lei Jun of smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi Corp., spoke about technological innovations within China.

On Tuesday, the newly appointed Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang is scheduled to hold a press conference.