Core Viewpoint - China plans to increase its defense spending by 7% in 2025, marking the slowest annual increase since 2021 [1][2] Group 1: Defense Spending Trends - The proposed 7% increase follows three years of higher annual increases, with 7.2% in 2024, 7.1% in 2022, and 6.8% in 2021 [2] - Last year's national defense budget was proposed at 1.78 trillion yuan (approximately $244.99 billion), but analysts suggest official figures may be understated [4] Group 2: Military Development and Capabilities - The government work report emphasizes the acceleration of advanced combat capabilities and the modernization of national defense [2] - China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Fujian, was commissioned in November 2025, showcasing advancements in military technology [3] Group 3: Regional and Global Defense Spending Context - In 2025, China accounted for nearly 44% of Asia's defense spending, an increase from 39% in 2017 [5] - The U.S. defense budget for the 2025 fiscal year was approximately $849.77 billion, with actual spending estimated at $919.2 billion, highlighting the competitive military spending landscape [5]