Overview
- A defense outlay of 1.94 trillion yuan is planned for 2026, with central government spending at 1.91 trillion yuan, reflecting year-on-year rises of 6.9% and 7% respectively.
- The military says funds will prioritize integrated mechanization, informatization and intelligentization, bolster joint operations, and expand new-domain, new-quality combat capabilities.
- Spending will accelerate advanced weaponry and defense science innovation, build modern logistics, and strengthen training, personnel policies and military education.
- Officials emphasize the budget is drafted under the National Defense Law and Budget Law for NPC review, with reforms to tighten whole-process oversight and performance evaluation.
- The PLA spokesperson reiterated opposition to “Taiwan independence” and external interference, pledging enhanced training and combat readiness to safeguard cross-strait stability.