China Boosts 2026 Defense Budget by 7% Amid Global Instability
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China Boosts Defense Spending by 7% Amid Global Chaos; Xi Consolidates Military Power
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News18•10-03-2026, 12:00
China Boosts Defense Spending by 7% Amid Global Chaos; Xi Consolidates Military Power
•China announced a 7% increase in its 2026 defense budget, reaching RMB 1.91 trillion (USD 277 billion), amidst global volatility.
•This marks a slightly lower increase than previous years but continues a trend of single-digit rises for over a decade.
•The budget was unveiled at the 14th National People’s Congress, where Chairman Xi Jinping has significantly consolidated power within the Central Military Commission (CMC) through purges.
•China's defense spending aims to safeguard sovereignty, security, and development interests, with a focus on modernizing the PLA by its 2027 centenary, particularly concerning Taiwan.
•Despite official figures, experts like the Pentagon suggest China's actual defense spending is significantly higher, and its arms imports have decreased as it expands domestic production.
