US President Trump approves defense budget bill

US President Donald Trump has approved a defense budget bill that focuses on threats posed by China. The President signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2019 yesterday, authorizing 717 billion dollars for national defense, an increase of 17 billion dollars from the current fiscal year that ends in September. 

The NDAA, outlines US military policy and the funds needed to support it. The Act bans US government agencies from using products of major Chinese communication equipment manufacturers, including ZTE, to prevent leaks of



confidential information. 

It also strengthens screenings of foreign investors who want to buy US businesses. 

Meanwhile, China today condemned measures targeting it in the new U.S. defence act, saying it would comprehensively assess aspects that beef up the role of a key panel tasked with reviewing foreign investment proposals. 

The Foreign Ministry said the United States passed the act despite China’s strong objections and it is dissatisfied with the negative content related to China.