China's 2026 Defence Budget Hits $275 Billion Amid Steady Military Growth
China has released its draft budget for 2026, setting aside around 1.9 trillion yuan (about 275 billion US dollars) for national defence. This marks another year of steady growth in military spending, continuing a trend of single-digit increases over the past decade.
The proposed defence budget for 2026 follows a consistent pattern of 7.2% annual growth, matching the rates seen in 2023, 2024, and 2025. This brings the total stretch of single-digit percentage rises to 11 years in a row.
Over the last five years (2021–2025), China's defence spending has held steady at roughly 1.7–2.0% of its GDP. According to SIPRI data, this proportion remains below the USA's 3.4–3.7% and is comparable to—or slightly above—Russia's 3.5–4.1%, which has fluctuated due to economic pressures and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. While China's absolute spending has climbed rapidly alongside its expanding economy, the USA still bears the highest relative burden, and Russia experienced temporary surges after 2022.
The 2026 budget maintains China's long-term approach to defence funding, balancing gradual increases with economic growth. With spending now set at 1.9 trillion yuan, the country's military investment continues to reflect both domestic priorities and broader global comparisons.
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