China – At a time when geopolitical tensions are rising across the world, several countries are strengthening their military capabilities. The ongoing confrontation involving Iran, United States, and Israel has heightened concerns about global security. Against this backdrop, China has taken a significant step by increasing its defense spending.
China Announces Major Increase in Defense Budget
On Thursday, China announced a 10 percent increase in its defense budget, pushing the total military allocation to about $275 billion. This marks an increase of more than $25 billion compared to the previous year. The decision reflects Beijing’s continued focus on strengthening its military capabilities.
Plan to Modernize the Armed Forces
According to the work report presented by the Chinese Prime Minister during the session of the National People’s Congress, nearly 1.9 trillion yuan (approximately $275 billion) will be allocated for national defense.
The increased budget is aimed at accelerating the modernization of China’s armed forces and narrowing the gap with the military strength of the United States.
Defense Spending Has Been Rising for Years
China has steadily raised its defense budget over the past several years. In 2025, the government increased military spending by 7.2 percent, bringing it to around $249 billion. The latest rise shows that Beijing remains committed to expanding and upgrading its military infrastructure.
Second-Largest Military Budget in the World
Currently, China has the second-largest defense budget globally, behind only the United States. The steady increase in military spending has also placed pressure on several neighboring countries to boost their own defense budgets to maintain regional balance.
With global tensions escalating and major powers focusing more on security, China’s latest move highlights the growing importance of military preparedness in international politics.