China will spend $111.6 billion on its police forces in 2012, the government said Monday, as it focuses on quelling rising social unrest ahead of a 10-yearly leadership change.
Despite nearly two decades of annual double-digit economic growth, social stability in China has remained a challenge due to massive urbanisation, rising expectations and a widening gap between rich and poor.
Public security spending will increase by 11.5% to 701.7 billion yuan, more than the 670 billion yuan earmarked for national defence, the finance ministry said in 2012 budget.
The announcement came after Premier Wen Jiabao listed the challenges facing his government and pledged to maintain stability in his annual report to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's parliament.
China vows to strengthen military
China will enhance the capability of its armed forces to win “local wars under information-age conditions”, Premier Wen Jiabao said Monday.
China will enhance the armed forces' capability to accomplish a wide range of military tasks, with the Communist Party of China having absolute leadership, Wen Jiabao said in a report submitted to the annual full session of the National People's Congress (NPC).