China Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1989–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$349.3 billion
Ranked #2 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.7%
Ranked #84 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $333.4B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$349.3 billion
Reached in 2026
China Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, China is estimated to have spent $349.3 billion on military and defense, representing 1.7% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. China is the #2 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $333.4 billion to $349.3 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 2.5% in 1989. The historical average military budget is 1.8% of GDP.
Data source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database. Values are in constant 2023 US dollars. Data for 2026 is an estimate based on government budget announcements.
Historical Military Spending
Military Spending (% of GDP)
Military Spending (USD Billions, 2023 prices)
Historical Data
| Year | Percent of GDP | USD (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(estimate) | 1.70% | $349,317M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.70% | $333,439M |
| 2024 | 1.71% | $317,561M |
| 2023 | 1.66% | $296,821M |
| 2022 | 1.63% | $278,474M |
| 2021 | 1.61% | $266,692M |
| 2020 | 1.76% | $259,923M |
| 2019 | 1.68% | $248,223M |
| 2018 | 1.67% | $236,692M |
| 2017 | 1.71% | $223,595M |
| 2016 | 1.77% | $210,640M |
| 2015 | 1.78% | $199,175M |
| 2014 | 1.74% | $184,677M |
| 2013 | 1.71% | $171,025M |
| 2012 | 1.70% | $158,166M |
| 2011 | 1.66% | $143,429M |
| 2010 | 1.73% | $133,607M |
| 2009 | 1.89% | $127,335M |
| 2008 | 1.72% | $104,937M |
| 2007 | 1.75% | $95,911M |