China raises defence budget by 7% for 2026

China said on Thursday its defence budget will increase by seven percent in 2026, in line with expectations but slightly below last year's. The increase in military spending for the year was announced in a finance ministry budget report that was published on the sidelines of the annual "Two Sessions" political conclave.

Analysts told that the budget would finance military salary increases, training, cyberwarfare capabilities and advanced equipment purchases, among other things. China has maintained a steady increase in military spending of around seven to eight percent each year since 2016.