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Singapore displays new weapons at parade

Singapore has showcased its new weapons at a military parade celebrating its National Day.

Tuesday's parade featured the latest models of fighter jets and assault helicopters as well as newly deployed tanks, missiles and unmanned high-speed boats.

Singapore holds a military parade every year on August 9th as part of the ceremonies to mark its independence from Malaysia in 1965.

The city state allocated 9.9 billion US dollars for defense spending this year. That's one-quarter of the budget and the equivalent of 5 percent of its gross domestic product.

Singapore has been increasing its defense budget and purchasing weapons. It now has one of the largest militaries in Southeast Asia.

Five other major Southeast Asian countries have also expanded their defense budgets by more than 20 percent over the past 5 years.

Analysts say the military buildup is in response to China's military expansion and its aggressive actions in the South China Sea. They say the regional military expansion is likely to pick up speed.