At the National People's Congress, China made clear its stance on military buildup despite concern from the international community.

The Chinese government has revealed that the country's defense spending this year will increase by 7.2 percent to about 224 billion dollars.

The budget was announced in a report on government activities at the start of the National People's Congress on Sunday.

The report says China will fully strengthen training and combat readiness toward the goal of building up its military by 2027, which marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Liberation Army.

The document says China will enhance its capabilities in defense-related science and technology.

Beijing also expressed its firm opposition to Taiwan's "independence" and reiterated its commitment to what it calls the peaceful reunification of Taiwan.

President Xi Jinping's leadership has been pushing the country's military buildup amid growing international concern over the situation in the Taiwan Strait as well as Beijing's increasing maritime presence in the East and South China seas.