📊 China's Military Modernisation Focus as PLA Marks 99th Anniversary

The Embassy of China in Sri Lanka held a commemorative celebration marking the 99th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), highlighting China's rapid military transformation and its strategic implications for bilateral ties. • Defence Budget & Growth: China’s official defence allocation for 2026 is set at ~US$ 281 Bn, representing a 6.9% YoY increase. This continues a steady ~7% annual growth trajectory maintained since 2023, up significantly from ~US$ 132 Bn in 2014. • Strategic Focus Areas: Increased funding is directed toward integrated mechanisation, joint operating systems, high-quality combat capabilities in new domains, advanced weaponry, logistics, and professional military education. Backed by consistent spending, China now possesses the world's largest navy by warship count. • Relevance to Sri Lanka: As long-standing diplomatic allies since 1957, the evolving landscape presents opportunities for Sri Lanka to further deepen defence and security cooperation with China, aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Sri Lankan armed forces.