China will raise its defense budget by around 10 percent this year to support its military modernization, a senior official said on Wednesday.

At a news conference one day ahead of the opening of the third session of the 12th National People's Congress, Fu Ying, spokeswoman for the top legislature, said China needs strong armed forces that can safeguard its national security and people.

"Lagging behind leaves one vulnerable to attacks. That is a lesson we have learned from history," she said. "Financial support is essential for the modernization of China's national defense and the People's Liberation Army."