China Announces 2026 Defense Budget Figures at National People's Congress Session

During the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang presented China's planned military expenditure for 2026. The proposed defense budget totals 1.94 trillion yuan, representing a projected growth rate of 7 percent. This figure indicates a deceleration in the expansion of military spending compared to previous years. The announcement was made by the delegation representing both the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force.