Priyanka
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China has announced a massive defense budget of $249 billion for 2025-26, signaling its continued push to strengthen its military capabilities. This marks a 7.2% increase from the previous year and reinforces China's ambition to surpass the United States in military power. The country is making significant advancements in military technology, including warships, stealth aircraft, and naval forces.
China's Military Expansion Raises Concerns
According to a draft budget report presented to the Chinese Parliament, China’s new defense spending will further accelerate its military modernization efforts. The state-run Xinhua News Agency confirmed that the country is focusing on advanced weaponry, new-generation fighter jets, and naval warships.
In 2024, China’s defense budget stood at $232 billion, and with this new increase, China maintains its position as the world’s second-largest defense spender after the United States.
China vs. India and the US: A Budget Comparison
- China's defense budget is nearly three times larger than India’s estimated $78.8 billion military expenditure.
- Compared to the United States’ defense budget of over $890 billion, China’s military spending remains approximately four times lower.
- Despite this, China’s budget remains significantly larger than most global defense allocations, enabling faster military expansion.
Military Modernization and Global Reactions
China has been rapidly enhancing its military by:
Building new aircraft carriers
Developing advanced stealth fighter jets
Expanding its naval fleet with modern warships
Critics argue that these aggressive military upgrades indicate China’s strategic ambitions beyond national defense. The growing military presence in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region has already raised concerns among neighboring countries and global powers.
