Chinese draft budget describes 6.6% defence spending increase
China will increase defence spending by 6.6% in 2020, according to a draft budget released on 22 May.
State-controlled news agency Xinhua noted that this will be the ‘lowest growth rate in recent years’, and the fifth consecutive annual single-digit increase.
The CNY1.27 trillion ($179 billion) official budget is now being deliberated by the annual National People's Congress (NPC), but Chinese defence expenditure is actually much higher.
Data released last month by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that China was the second-largest military spender in the world in 2019 with $261 billion, behind the US.
Indeed, China accounted for 14% of global military spending in 2019 and spent 85% more on defence in 2019 than in 2010.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
