China’s defence budget rebounds strongly
The Chinese Communist Party is not permitting COVID-19 to interfere with its militaristic ambitions and modernisation.
China announced its 2021 defence budget on 5 March, during the fourth session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing. Military spending will rise by 6.8% to CNY1.355 trillion ($209.2 billion) for the coming year.
This is a significant increase compared to a year ago, especially when the impact of COVID-19 is factored in as most other countries around the world divert funds into pandemic and economic relief.
To put this figure in perspective, current Chinese military spending is greater than that of India, Japan, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan combined. Furthermore, China’s 2021 incremental increase of $13.4
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint]()
DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint
At DSEI 2025, James Gray, Managing Director and CEO of Raytheon UK (part of RTX), outlines the company’s century-long presence in the UK and its evolving role across defence, aerospace, cyber, and training domains.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
