Chinese analysts say military expansion is necessary—and it’s about deterrence, not hegemony |
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Chinese analysts say military expansion is necessary—and it’s about deterrence, not hegemony
By portraying growth as somewhat defensive, Chinese commentary downplays how a defence budget of 1.91 trillion yuan may influence global strategic calculations.
China’s 2026 defence budget will reach 1.91 trillion yuan or approximately $277 billion, Premier Li Qiang announced during the country’s Two Sessions on 5 March, marking another year of steady military expansion amid intensifying regional competition. The figure represents a 7 per cent year-on-year increase compared to 7.2 per cent in 2025. It is the lowest rate in five years.
Across the Chinese internet, this level of spending is widely framed as reasonable, transparent, and economically sustainable. Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, argues that Beijing’s defence budget follows a principle of moderation, calibrated to meet national security needs while remaining aligned with broader economic priorities. Commentators on Baijiahao emphasise that China now prioritises quality over quantity, where it is investing in advanced capabilities such as hypersonic weapons and quantum communication to maximise strategic impact without excessive expenditure.
Challenging the ‘China threat’ narrative
Chinese commentators challenge Western portrayals of Beijing as a military threat. Zhang Sinan, a special commentator for Straight News, notes that while China’s defence figures appear large in absolute terms, their growth remains measured, reflecting the need to modernise amid complex regional dynamics and rapidly evolving military technology.
Military spending, he emphasises, is fundamentally defensive, aimed at safeguarding national interests and strengthening deterrence rather than pursuing........