China has announced a new increase in its military budget for 2026. The government plans to raise defence spending by 7 percent as part of a long-term strategy to modernise its armed forces. The decision comes as Beijing continues to expand military capabilities and respond to growing security challenges in Asia.
The announcement was made during the annual parliamentary session in China. Chinese leaders said the new budget will support the development of advanced military technology and stronger combat readiness.
Premier Li Qiang said the government is committed to building a modern and powerful military by 2035. The move is part of a wider plan to strengthen China’s national security and protect its strategic interests.
Security experts and regional governments are closely watching the rise in Chinese military spending. Analysts say the steady increase reflects Beijing’s growing focus on defence modernization and regional influence.
China Plans Rapid Military Modernisation by 2035
During his policy speech, Li Qiang said China will continue improving combat readiness. He also stressed the need to develop advanced combat capabilities.
According to Li, the defence budget will help strengthen China’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty and development interests. He said the country must be prepared to face complex security challenges.
China has invested heavily in modern weapons and defence technology over the past decade. The People’s Liberation Army has introduced new missile systems, advanced naval ships, submarines, and surveillance tools.
Military modernization is a key part of the national strategy under President Xi Jinping. He holds the top command position as chairman of the Central Military Commission, which oversees the country’s armed forces.
The new 7 percent increase is slightly lower than the previous three annual increases of about 7.2 percent. However, it still remains higher than the country’s expected economic growth rate.
China’s government has set an economic growth target of about 4.5 to 5 percent for the year.
Anti-Corruption Crackdown Targets Senior Military Leaders
China’s defence expansion comes alongside a major campaign to tackle corruption within the armed forces. Authorities have launched investigations against several top military officials.
One of the most notable figures under investigation is senior general Zhang Youxia, who has long been seen as a close ally of Xi Jinping.
Another senior officer, He Weidong, was removed from his position last year following disciplinary action.
The crackdown represents one of the most significant purges in China’s military leadership in decades. Analysts say the campaign aims to improve discipline and ensure tighter control over defence spending.
Despite these leadership changes, experts believe the People’s Liberation Army will continue strengthening its operational capabilities and modernisation programs.
Taiwan Tensions and Regional Security Concerns
Security issues around Taiwan remain one of the key factors shaping China’s military strategy. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly warned against moves toward independence.
Premier Li Qiang said China will firmly oppose any attempt to promote Taiwanese independence. He also warned against external interference in cross-strait relations.
According to Li, Beijing aims to promote peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait while advancing the goal of national reunification.
Officials in Taipei responded with concern over China’s growing defence spending. Taiwanese authorities warned that the increase in military funding could create security risks for the region.
Meanwhile, government officials in Japan also expressed concern about China’s rising military capabilities. Japanese leaders have called for greater transparency regarding Beijing’s defence policies.
Defence analysts note that China’s military spending now represents a large share of total defence spending in Asia. Recent studies show that the country accounts for nearly 44 percent of the region’s military expenditure.
However, China’s defence budget is still significantly smaller than that of the United States, which maintains the largest military spending in the world.
Experts believe China will continue increasing defence investments as it works toward the long-term goal of transforming the People’s Liberation Army into a modern global military force.
