China's defense budget is expected to increase by about 7 percent in 2026, reaching roughly 1.9 trillion yuan (about $275 billion), according to a draft report submitted to the national legislature. 

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, said the government follows the principle of coordinating national defense development with economic growth, while maintaining steady and reasonable increases in defense spending.