China has announced a 7% increase in its defence budget for 2026, raising military spending to around $275 billion. The announcement was made during the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress in Beijing.
Chinese leaders said the increase is part of the country’s long-term plan to modernise its armed forces and strengthen national security. The funds will be used to improve military training, upgrade weapons and equipment, and support the development of advanced defence technologies.
China already has the world’s second-largest military budget after the United States. The country has steadily increased its defence spending for many years as it works to build a more modern and capable military.
Officials said the higher spending will help accelerate the modernisation of the People’s Liberation Army. The government has set a target of transforming the military into a world-class force by the middle of the century.
The rise in defence spending comes at a time of growing geopolitical tensions in the region. China has been strengthening its military capabilities amid ongoing disputes in the South China Sea and increasing tensions related to Taiwan.
Apart from defence spending, the Chinese government also outlined its economic priorities for the year. Leaders set a GDP growth target of around 5% for 2026 as the country tries to stabilise its economy.
China’s economy has been facing several challenges in recent years, including weak domestic demand, a struggling property sector and uncertainties in the global economy. Despite these issues, the government says it will continue to support growth through investment, innovation and technology development.